CLS Programs and Projects
Leadership Programs
LeaderShape
LeaderShape is an advanced, ethics-based leadership development experience for young adults. More than 24,000 participants from over 500 different colleges, universities, corporations, and organizations across America have graduated from the program. The purpose of The LeaderShape Institute is to produce a breakthrough in the leadership capabilities and potential of participants. Our commitment to you is that after attending The LeaderShape Institute, you will have: Increased your commitment to acting consistently with your core ethical values, personal values, and convictions, Enhanced your capability to develop and enrich relationships as well as strengthen your commitment to respecting the dignity and contributions of all people, Embraced the belief in a “healthy disregard for the impossible,” and Developed the capability to produce extraordinary results.
LeadUF
LeadUF is a student run organization whose members are trained presenters in leadership theory and styles. Annually, LeadUF hosts a fall and spring leadership conference. Any campus organization may request LeadUF services to plan and present a customized workshop for developing their members' leadership and diversity knowledge. LeadUF also hold GILD, an annual leadership conference.
Women's Leadership Council
The Women's Leadership Council is a diverse group of student leaders at the University of Florida whose mission is to empower women with the resources and the skills that prepare them to lead in the diverse and ever-changing settings of the 21st century. Located in the dean of Student's Office, the Women's Leadership Council designs specific programs that provide women with peer support, role models and educational programs that will help them to develop a sense of self. The Women's Leadership Council strives to promote the development and recognition of women's leadership for a stronger society and a better world by: Establishing a network that unites University of Florida women with the campus community, Promoting an open and accepting campus environment to help establish a tradition of women's leadership, and Equipping women with the skills necessary to achieve their goals and encouraging them to embrace the challenge of leadership.
Service Programs
ACTIONS!
ACTIONS! organizes several large scale annual programs that range from one day
events to week or month long programs. Some examples include Summer Plunge, Gator
Plunge, Make a Difference Day, Hunger & Homelessness Week, and Raise Your Voice
Month. These programs provide outlets for specific campus needs such as outreach
to a particular segment on campus, response to a prevalent social issue, or
connecting the campus with state or national service initiatives.
After School Gators
ASG is a service organization working with at-risk elementary school children in the after school programs. Over 100 volunteers create fun activities for the students in local schools.
Florida Alternative Breaks
FAB's mission is to create active citizens through a year-long commitment
to community service, leadership and social change. In participating in social
change education and projects both locally during the year and regionally during
spring break, students gain the opportunity to immerse themselves in a particular
social issue. Through FAB's unique conditions of volunteerism and reflection,
we seek to heighten social awareness, advocate for and foster life-long social
action while building friendships along the way.
Gator Non-Profit Professionals
The Gator Non-Profit Professionals work to educate, recruit, prepare and place students in meaningful careers within the Nonprofit sector. We hold lectures, presentations and opportunities for student to learn about who they are and how they can use their skills to work in the Nonprofit sector. We also have community service projects for students to develop a servant-leader mentality and learn more about the inner workings of the Nonprofit sector. Leadership Opportunities help them to know how to lead effectively. GNP also helps to provide a bridge between the Gainesville Nonprofit community and UF students.
Gator Teens
The objective of the GatorTeens Mentors is to develop the leadership of young people and to provide a means by which they can commit their energy and enthusiasm to improving the quality of life in our community. The GatorTeens Youth Program is a service-learning initiative established in 1999 to promote youth volunteerism and assist students in fulfilling classroom and/or college scholarship requirements. It is open to any teens in grades 6-12 that live in Alachua County and are enrolled in public, private or alternative middle or high school. It is the responsibility of the Mentors to empower the youth to identify community needs, develop creative solutions, and implement projects to improve the well-being of the community. The Mentors educate area teenagers on the value of volunteering by working one-on-one with them in the design and implementation of service projects.
Project MASCOT
Project MASCOT (Mentoring Alliance: Students and Communities Outreaching Together) is a program for University of Florida student volunteers interested in helping and motivating elementary school children in the Gainesville area. The program matches UF student volunteers with students at local elementary students for one-on-one mentoring. The year culminates with a trip to a theme park in Orlando with all mentors and mentees.
Service Ambassadors
Service Ambassadors constantly work to promote active citizenship among University of Florida students as well as the surrounding community. They plan events that educate citizens about prevalent issues in order to remind individuals of their civic responsibility and to inform them of the opportunities available to those who choose to make a difference. Members serve as the ambassadors of community service by unifying those involved in volunteerism and presenting individuals with ways to bring their service to the next level.
SOAR at Howard Bishop
The SOAR Program is a unique partnership between the University of Florida and Howard Bishop Middle School. The program offers the unique chance for members to become a positive role model in the life of an at-risk middle school student. Participants tutor and/or mentor at all grade levels through a year long mentorship which concludes with an on-campus visit.
CLS Projects
Short Term
Winter Food Baskets/Bags
Each year for the Holidays, the CLS puts together baskets with non-perishable goods for lower-income children in Gainesville. Volunteers are needed to put together the baskets and disperse them to children in need.
Wish Upon a Star
During the Holiday season, the CLS and the Partnership for Stronger Families work together to gather toys for local children. Donations are taken from local businesses and organizations. Volunteers are needed to gather donations and make at least one wish come true for the children of Gainesville.