Outreach
One main focus of the Initiative for Child and Family Studies is to deepen the connection between Roosevelt University and the surrounding community. We accomplish this goal by facilitating volunteer or service-learning opportunities for Roosevelt University students to connect life and learning, developing brief publications that address the needs of children and families for professionals, promoting social advocacy on behalf of children, and sponsoring lectures that focus on children's well-being.
Service-learning
In concert with Roosevelt University's historic commitment to social justice and mission to serve as an intellectual resource to the community, the Initiative for Child and Family Studies facilitates students' efforts to improve the lives of children.
One requirement for the undergraduate Certificate in Child and Family Studies is for students to complete a service-learning course (PSYC 398: Field Placement with Children and Families) that features 72 hours of field work at an approved site that caters to children and families (e.g., school classrooms, child care facilities, after-school/YMCA programs, pediatric hospitals).
We promote volunteer opportunities for students who are not enrolled in the Certificate program as well as for those who are. If you are looking for a way to contribute to your community, download our Excel directory of sites that welcome volunteers to help children by clicking here.
The Initiative for Child and Family Studies is also proud to participate in the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a Certifying Organization. The Award is a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment. Established in 2003, this distinction is given by the President of the United States and honors individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service for a minimum of 100 hours over the course of 12 months. Students' service-learning work and related volunteer experiences apply towards this award. For more information about the President’s Volunteer Service Award, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov. Each Certifying Organization has a Record of Service Key that volunteers must enter into this website to monitor the accumulation of service hours. The number for the Roosevelt University Initiative for Child and Family Studies is CFJ-29742.
Publications
The Initiative for Child and Family Studies publishes a report series called Reaching Out that addresses issues relevant to children's well-being. These publications synthesize existing research to meet the needs of professionals who work with children.
The first two issues of Reaching Out were distributed to over 11,000 elementary school teachers in the Chicago Public School system and can be downloaded here.
- "Poverty and Children: How Teachers Can Help"
- "Improving Problem Behaviors in Your Classroom"
- "Anti-Bullying" Effective Strategies for Teachers and Schools"
- "Can Your Students Make a Difference in their Community?"
Advocacy and social action
The Initiative for Child and Family Studies and Roosevelt University's Mansfield Institute for Social Justice are in the early stages of creating a partnership with Voices for Illinois Children,
a non-profit advocacy organization that is dedicated to improving the
lives of children. We hope that this collaboration will promote
tangible strategies for political and social action concerning
children's well-being, subsidized internships for Roosevelt University
students, and expanded research and outreach opportunities.
Contact information
Steven Meyers, Ph.D., ABPPDirector, Initiative for Child and Family Studies
Roosevelt University
430 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
e-mail: smeyers@roosevelt.edu
tel: 312-341-6363