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Vocation Area:
Supplementary Resources
[1] PRE-PLANNED CURRICULUM, TRAININGS, FORMS, & HANDOUTS
"Board of Directors" (PDF) ~ personal mission and mentoring exercise
The purpose of the "Board of Directors" (PDF) exercise is to provide participants with a guided means of reflection to examine life purpose and relational influences through use of a worksheet (PDF). By examining their lives from the perspective that their life is a corporation, individuals will develop a mission statement as well as identify individuals, beliefs and/or values serving on their "Board of Directors" (PDF). Guided analysis and reflective questioning challenge participants to be intentional in the decisions related to direction/purpose and relationships.
Contemplation and Discernment Retreat (PDF) ~ sample retreat schedule
In the midst of the hectic pace of campus life, it is often difficult to find the time to "be still" and listen to the inner voice that guides us. This retreat is designed to get students away from campus and to provide the setting, the structure and the information necessary to begin the journey of discernment.
Finding Your Vocational Fit (PDF) ~ worksheet
This vocational exploration resource can be used to guide conversation in a 1-on-1 setting or to give the student for written reflection.
Guided Reflections for Recommitment (PDF) ~ worksheet
This resource can be used to encourage students to intentionally consider their Bonner experience. This tool can be given to students prior to a 1-on-1 meeting late in their sophomore year and used to guide dialogue about their recommitment.
Hearing the Call: Listening to Your Inner Voice (PDF) ~ vocational discernment exercise
The purpose of the "Hearing the Call" activity is to provide an opportunity for reflection. The poem prompts readers to think about what it means to "be called" to do something with their lives and to explore the ramifications of that call.
Last Words: Reflections on My Life (PDF) ~ life vocation and personal reflection exercise
The purpose of the "Last Words" activity is to challenge participants to think, with intentionality, about what they want to accomplish during their lifetime. While there is much emphasis on looking forward and imagining our futures, this activity engages participants in a more reflective process. They are asked to travel into their last years and look back upon the life they have lived. What will they have done with their years here on earth. How will they be remembered? In addition, participants are given an opportunity to reflect upon the concept of legacy and to consider their personal legacy.
Mission Possible: Creating a Personal Mission Statement (PDF) ~ mission statement exercise
"Mission Possible" is an activity designed to guide participants through the process of writing a personal mission statement. As individuals are guided through this step-by-step process, they will reflect upon what actions, values and causes inspire them. These become the building blocks of their mission statement. This exercise is an adaptation from The Path by Laurie Beth Jones.
One-on-One Advising: Vocation and Career Exploration Emphasis (PDF) ~ resource tool
This resource provides a variety of questions to initiate discussion with students about their "big picture" hopes and dream and foster vocational exploration.
River Stories: Building Community Through Sharing (PDF) ~ personal reflection and community building
This workshop provides a creative and artistic way to build community through the sharing of stories. Its sets a foundation for participants to share their own paths (personal and professional), using the metaphor of a river to describe life experiences. This activity is designed to help build context and cohesion in a group, as well as help people practice their communication and listening abilities.
Road Map for Vocation and Career Exploration Activities (PDF) ~ resource guide
This resource is designed to serve as a planning tool for Bonner staff. Using the Four Year Student Development Model as a guide, a variety of activities, books, and training modules for vocation and career exploration have been suggested for each class.
"So What Do You Do?" (PDF) ~ vocational and personal exploration exercise
This activity provides participants with a delightful story of how one man wrestled with an appropriate answer to the question, "So, what do you do?" The societal habit of defining who we are by what we do is challenged. As a result, through this exercise participants will begin to see the difference between "making a living and making a life" and to understand that a true vocational calling is an extension of who one is.
"The Bridge Builder" (PDF) ~ poem and reflective discussion
The purpose of "The Bridge Builder" activity is to challenge participants to think, with intentionality, about the importance of mentorship in their lives and the lives of others. In addition, participants are given an opportunity to reflect upon the concept of legacy and to consider their personal legacy.
"The Two Choices" ~ decision-making exercise
The purpose of "The Two Choices" activity is to challenge participants to think, with intentionality, about the decisions they make. In addition, participants are given an opportunity to reflect upon the impact both small and big choices have on the development of their character and personal integrity.
"Tuesdays with Morrie" ~ Reading Group Guide & Discussion List
"Tuesdays with Morrie" is a phenomenal book about youth and wisdom, life and death, having and giving, holding on and letting go. By reading and discussing this text, each participant will have an opportunity to examine his/her life through introspective analysis. In addition, during the discussion, a sense of community develops with participants as they share their thoughts and experiences.
Vocational Discernment Through Film (PDF) ~ resource tool
This is a compilation of the movies listed on the PTEV web site which pertain to vocational exploration. It includes a brief description of the film as well as suggested questions for discussion. The complete list can be found at http://www.ptev.org
[2] CAMPUS EXAMPLES:
- Berea College "Weaving Our Lives Into a Meaningful Whole" (PDF)
This is an outline of a training module used in the "Life After Berea" workshop. Students are encouraged to consider the concept of vocation versus career and to identify where their core values might fit in when making decisions about life work.
- Berry College Senior Capstone Guidelines (PDF)
Berry College has developed a Senior Capstone Presentation. Prior to exiting the program, seniors are asked to reflect on their Bonner experience and assess the impact it has had on their lives. Students are given focus questions to assist them in their thinking. These questions encourage them to consider how their time as a Bonner has: influenced their education, been instrumental in their personal growth/development, and equipped them for life after graduation. Their reflections are to be integrated in a 3-5 page, typed paper and a 5 minute presentation to the Bonners.
- Davidson College "Not Quite a Box Project" (PDF)
This activity reminds students that before they can "think outside the box," they must start a box. The "Not Quite a Box Project" is a way for students to pay attention to all the world has to offer, to focus on what matters to them, and an opportunity for students to share the things that matter with others. Bonners begin the Box Project with a box or a file folder and gradually fill it with items that are collected over the course of their college career that inform and/or inspire their sense of place in community. Some items that might find their way into a box are: poems, thank you notes, pictures, newspaper clippings, artwork from a child with whom the student has developed a relationship.
- Mars Hill College Sophomore Recommitment Program (PDF)
T
he recommitment program always includes food, a group activity, and a recommitment service. Before the event students are asked to brainstorm what they are willing to recommit to. This is then developed into a list (similar to a behavior contract) to be used in the recommitment ceremony. During the ceremony, students form a circle and discuss the challenges of being a Bonner and why they persist. Bonners then sign a master copy of the list of commitments and are then given a copy to keep.
- Mars Hill College Senior Capstone Program (PDF)
The Senior Capstone program is held two nights before commencement. Students are allowed to invite family and a community partner to be their guests. The students then give presentations about their Bonner experience (where their placements have been, their most meaningful experience, how they have grown, and where they see themselves going next). In addition to their presentations, students are also asked to present a visual display (tri-fold boards, power points, memorabilia from their placements, etc.).
- Union College Senior Capstone Presentation (PDF)
Seniors give a presentation of no more than 15 minutes to their fellow Bonners. Students are given a set of guidelines including the presentation date, a series of seven questions for reflection (including a question focusing on how their understanding of local, regional and national issues has increased), and a list of suggestions for capstone projects (write a song or poem or speech or essay, paint a picture, make a video, etc.). The seniors are encouraged to invite guests to their presentation and the Bonner staff arranges for advisory committee members, placement supervisors, and the President to attend as they are able.
Bonner Partner Resources
- Idealist.org Road Map (PDF) for www.Idealist.org
The "Road Map" is a tool to assist with navigating their web site. The Road Map quickly connect students to resources related to career development, including, but not limited to: non-profit job, internship, and volunteer postings, career development tools, and career fairs.
[3] INTERNET RESOURCES:
Programs for the Theological Exploration of Vocation
Resource page includes books, movies, course syllabi and more!
http://www.ptev.org
Ask the Question.org
Offers resources related to the exploration of ordained ministry. Site is maintained by the United Church of Christ.
http://www.askthequestion.org
Churchfinders
Provides links to the web sites of larger protestant denominations and denominational associations. Denominational websites provide resources regarding specific requirements for ordained ministry.
http://www.reachingforchrist.org/churchfinders/linksdenom.html
Explore Ministry.Org
This is a site of the Fund for Theological Education designed to assist visitors with vocational discernment especially as it relates to ministry.
http://www.exploreministry.org
Idealist.org/Action Without Borders
Connects people, organizations and resources to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives.
http://www.idealist.org
Hear God's Call
This site provides resources and information for individuals exploring ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/recruit.htm
Is God Calling You?
Site of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Provides resources for discerning a call to ministry.
http://www.isgodcallingyou.org
JobHuntersBible.com
A supplement to Richard Bolles' What Color is Your Parachute and provides link to several interactive tools.
http://www.jobhuntersbible.com
LifeBound
Provides books, coaching, seminars and helpful strategies to assist you in identifying and moving through obstacles.
http://www.lifebound.com
Movie Ministry.com
Provides a variety of resources related to spirituality and film ~ discussion questions, Bible studies, and more.
http://www.movieministry.com
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Honors organization which recognizes and inspires academic excellence and engaged citizenship for a lifetime - DePauw, Morehouse and Spelman are among the 205 campuses with chapters.
http://www.nscs.org
Pastoral Leadership Search Effort
PLSE is an initiative to aid denominations and congregations identify and nurture young people (under 35) exploring ministry as a vocation. The site provides access to resources, events, and opportunities that will assist young adults with this exploration.
http://www.theplse.org
Poemhunter.com
A searchable database of poetry, lyrics and quotations that can be used for guided reflection.
http://www.poemhunter.com
Reading Group Guides
http://readinggroupguides.com/
http://www.harpercollins.com/hc/readers/index.asp
http://www.twbookmark.com/books/reading_guides.html
http://www.simonsays.com/content/index.cfm?sid=519
http://www.randomhouse.com/resources/
http://www.thediscerningreader.com Additional "Tuesdays with Morrie" resources
www.randomhouse.com/features/morrie/
Vocation.com
A comprehensive Catholic resource site for vocations, this site has several excellent
resources for all who are seeking to discern their call.
http://www.vocation.com
[4] ASSESSMENTS:
Career Anchors Inventory "designed to help people uncover their real values and make better career decisions"
The Career Anchors Instrument provides a systematic way of exploring how you perceive yourself, based on your own experiences. The instrument is divided into three parts: the orientations inventory, the career anchor interview, and the conceptual material. Career Anchors help you: define the themes and patterns dominant in your life, understand your own approach to work and a career, provide reasons for choices, and take steps to fulfill your own self-image.
Myers Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI)
The MBTI is a widely used personality inventory based on the Function Type theory of Jung. It enables one to learn their preferences to determine their strengths and recognize what kinds of work they might enjoy while achieving personal fulfillment and career satisfaction.
Spiritual Gifts Assessment
http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=2268 (free spiritual gifts assessment)
The United Methodist Church web site provides an on-line assessment of spiritual gifts.
www.keirsey.com (Keirsey Temperament Sorter - 5 min. assessment, summary & links)
The Keirsey instrument measures preferences, not skills. What do you do when you have your druthers? It's a 16 question, self-scoring questionnaire designed to identify the four temperaments. This instrument also includes a brief description of each temperament.
www.assessment.com (20 minute assessment, abbreviated summary is free)
Your MAPP Assessment (Motivational Appraisal for Personal Potential) reveals your natural motivations and talent for work. When your job matches your true motivations work seems easier and is more fulfilling.
www.wonderlic.com (Career Directions Inventory - $12.95)
Are you considering a career change? Are you stuck in a job that doesn't satisfy you? Do you know which direction you should be heading? The Career Directions Inventory (CDI) can help you plan an interesting and rewarding career. The CDI accurately measures your work interests and provides you with a detailed comprehensive report linking your interests to valuable job resources.
www.census2000.org/description-2-28-career_ assessment_instruments.html
This site is a clearinghouse of on-line career development assessment tools and career forecasting. Excellent resource.
www.doi.gov/octc/holland.html (free Holland Inventory and interpretation)
The Holland Occupational Themes instrument measures self-reporting vocational interests and skills. It is based on the belief that interests and skills are closely intertwined. In general, people tend to enjoy things they do well. Likewise, they tend to perform well in areas they find interesting. Interests and skills are organized into six categories: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, conventional.
[5] CONFERENCES:
Antiphony ~ Student conference to focus on vocational calling, global missions.
Sponsored by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
http://www.thefellowship.info/Landing/antiphony.icm
COOL Idealist National Conference ~ Student conference drawing together those involved in service, advocacy, and activism. Sponsored by Idealist On Campus.
http://www.idealist.org/conference2005
[6] RECOMMENDED READING and RESOURCES
Selected texts to build a vocational exploration library.
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