AGS Service Points
Why? Service, Community and Leadership
Alpha Gamma Sigma is a community service organization where service hours are recorded and measured by a "points" system for their initiative and time.
Membership requires a minimum of 20 service points (20 hours) earned per semester, but many members strive to exceed that. Service points can be awarded for service given to the club, campus and community in order to encourage the practice of service, initiative, collaboration and creating community. Members are encouraged to engage in a variety of student-lead club and community activities. The incentive of earning points often encourages members to engage in community in new ways. The club hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, which include community service opportunities, fundraisers, socials, workshops, campus collaborations and attending regional and statewide AGS conferences. Members earn points for their participation in these events.
Points Guidelines
Points may only be earned for work which offers no other form of compensation, including pay, class credit, stipend, course units or other forms of exchange.
Out of the 20 required service points, there is a 10 point requirement for club activities (which can include club community service projects, attending club meetings, or helping to plan and attend AGS projects and events). Within those 10 "club affiliated" points, 5 of those points are required for helping with club fundraising and 3 points participating on a committee. Members also earn 3 community service points (they can be with the club or outside of the club).
Verification
Please be aware that verification is needed when documenting service points. This could be in the form of a letter from volunteer supervisor of the organization you are working with or by way of an AGS service verification form.
Documentation/Record Keeping
Members are encouraged to keep a personal record of their points earned, such as by keeping a copy of documents submitted to the Vice President. As a practice in maintaining these records, members are asked to create an "Service Summary" by the last day of the instruction. (AGS Service Summaries are a required part of the application process for AGS scholarships).
Pace Yourself
Activities will be announced in club meetings. As students you may already have many things on your "to do" list that includes school, work and family responsibilities. Begin earning points early in the semester in order to avoid the pressure to "cram" in activities end of the semester when you're working on class projects and preparing for finals. Once you start participating, you may find it's easier to earn 20-points and fun.
The Bigger Picture
Earning "points" should not be your goal in AGS. It should be the byproduct of your fun activities: your partipation, initiative and collaboration with your colleagues throughout the semester. Earning "points" should be the catalyst to help jump start your momentum in being active and involved student leaders.
Below are some common examples of how points can be earned.
Service to the community ...
| Service Description | Points |
|---|---|
| Community event/project - donating your time (such as planning an event, staffing, participating in the event) |
1 point / hour |
| Canned food drive - donating cans | 10 cans / 1 point |
Service to the club ...
| Service Description | Points |
|---|---|
| Attending a club meeting (1 hour) | 1 point / hour |
| Donating your time to an AGS event or project (such as planning an event, staffing, and participating in club activities) |
1 point / hour |
| Tabling at events such as Gladiator Day or Club Rush | 1 point / hour |
Service to the campus ...
| Service Description | Points |
|---|---|
| Vounteering work with a community organization | 1 point / hour |
| Volunteering at Chabot Commencement | 1 point / hour |