Community Connection Activities
Community Connection Activities:
The CCoT team can focus on activities that directly connect youth with community employers. These could include job fairs, a job shadow program, or even having employers conduct interviews to assist students in obtaining interview experience. Studies show that students who have at least two paid job experiences while in school are more likely to be engaged in higher education and competitive employment after high school. The CCoT team can assist in connecting students with employment opportunities by conducting the following activities:
Amazing Race to Employment:
An Amazing Race is a fun way to promote student self-advocacy skills while connecting students with employers. In this activity, students divide into groups, or teams. Each team is given a set of questions that could be asked of potential employers (What qualities in an employee does the business look for? What training does the student need?). Teams are also provided a map of a region within their community. The teams either walk or have someone drive them to businesses within that region. They enter the business, pick a question or ask the employer to pick a question, mark down responses, and ask for a business card. The team with the most business cards at the end, wins. The businesses should then be compiled into a document to be used as a resource for future employment opportunities.
Business Tours:
Business tours can be conducted either by the members of the CCOT team or by students. The CCoT begins by contacting local businesses and setting dates and times to conduct the tours. Specific questions can be provided in advance to the employers to make sure they address them during the tour. Ask the employers to provide the team and the students with a list of questions they may have, as well. During the tour, the employer can show the work environment, explain different job duties, and what qualifications are needed for each job. It is very important not to overlook the power of a business tour for both the employer and those who attend. After the tour, be sure to request feedback from both students and the business (What was your favorite part? How did providing the business tour benefit your business?).
Community Conversations:
Community Conversations are a highly effective way to bring people together to talk about community related issues. They bring individuals from across the community together to have an informal discussion around topics that concern all. CCoTs can utilize this activity to discuss ways students can be more active within the community, creating community based integrated employment opportunities, inclusion opportunities for youth, and transportation barriers that may prevent students from participating. During this activity, a topic or question is often introduced, then those in attendance will break off into smaller groups to discuss. When the groups are brought back together, a spokesperson from each group shares their discussion and ideas. Discussion results should be recorded and used for future CCoT discussion and activities.
Transition Fairs:
Transition fairs provide opportunities for youth and families to connect with community members and gather information and resources. Transition fairs can include local businesses, higher education representatives, local service representatives, clubs and organizations, as well as advocacy organizations and investment advisors. When inviting advocacy organizations, CCoT members should be aware of topics such as age of majority and guardianship. It is important that the transition fair is run with the perspective of providing information for families and students to make their own informed decisions.
To view more information on the activities, as well as other activities, please view the Wisconsin CCoT Activity Guide, located at https://www.witig.org/resource-link.html?id=32736.
Please see Appendix B for additional information on these activities, including resources, data gathering, and participant attendance. Click the image to the right to download Appendix B.
APPENDIX B.pdf