The National Conference on Citizenship released the 2008 Civic Health Index today. The report is chock full of good information about youth engagement trends and citizenship. A couple of key pieces information for those of us out there promoting service learning - the survey asked if people were in favor of making service learning mandatory. Interestingly, 75% of those responding were in favor of some type of universal or mandatory service learning (including a clear majority of both Republicans and Democrats). The survey also asked young people if they would be interested in taking a service learning course in school. The vast majority of students reported that they would be interested in taking a service learning course including 90% of those students most at risk for dropping out.
You can get your very own copy of the report on the National Conference on Citizenship website at www.ncoc.net.
September 22, 2008
September 17, 2008
Corporation for National and Community Service Public Board Meeting
Just a quick tidbit from yesterday's Corporation for National and Community Service Public Board meeting. David Eisner, the CEO of the Corporation, will be leaving the Corporation in the middle of November. Nicola Goren, the current Chief of Staff, will serve as the interim CEO following David's departure and until the next administration identifies a replacement.
Those of us who have been in the service movement for a few years recognize David's contributions to improving the financial and accountability systems of the Corporation during his tenure. Thanks to David's leadership the Corporation has had exemplary audits over the last two years and has shown improved systems across the board. David has also overseen the Corporation as it has gone though a period of great transition to a point at which the idea of national service has bipartisan support.
I send my thanks to David for his efforts and encourage everyone else to take a moment and do the same.
Those of us who have been in the service movement for a few years recognize David's contributions to improving the financial and accountability systems of the Corporation during his tenure. Thanks to David's leadership the Corporation has had exemplary audits over the last two years and has shown improved systems across the board. David has also overseen the Corporation as it has gone though a period of great transition to a point at which the idea of national service has bipartisan support.
I send my thanks to David for his efforts and encourage everyone else to take a moment and do the same.
September 16, 2008
America's Doctor Speaks Up for Service-Learning
How cool is this? Dr. Mehmet Oz, a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, is a self-described service-learning advocate. Dr. Oz was one of the featured speakers in the ServiceNation closing plenary on September 12, 2008.What brings Dr. Oz to ServiceNation? Health Corps.
HealthCorps Ambassadors (coordinators, volunteer celebrities and medical professionals) are leading the HealthCorps movement through school-based programs, outreach activities (such as community health fairs) and experiential campaigns across America. Dr. Oz co-founded Health Corps and spoke directly to the need to engage youth in service-learning, especially related to health and nutrition.
Health Corps operates nationwide, including multiple sites in California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Health Corps curriculum and/or program staff and volunteers may be a great resource for those interested in implementing service-learning activities to explore health and nutrition issues. Find a Health Corps local program near you.
September 13, 2008
I Heart Alma Powell: America's Promise Co-Chair Champions Service-Learning
Mrs. Alma Powell, co-chair of the America's Promise Alliance, spoke Friday morning in support of service-learning at the ServiceNation Summit. Mrs. Powell was the first to speak on a panel about service and education, which featured an all-star line-up: Wendy Kopp of Teach for America, Chancellor Klein from New York City Public Schools, Michael Brown of City Year (one of my national service heroes), and a terrific student leader from a Citizen Schools program in Texas.
Mrs. Powell makes an excellent case for why service-learning "is not a nice thing to do. It is necessary." She gave a fantastic overview of America Promise's new strategic initiative, Ready for the Real World (if you don't know much about it, check it out).
This week, Mrs. Powell wrote an opinion-editorial titled Education through Service, in which she reinforces her pitch for service-learning.
Check out this clip of Mrs. Powell's remarks during the education panel at ServiceNation. Apologies for the terrible camera work. That's the danger of the digital age. Give a girl a camera phone, and she thinks she can be Steven Spielberg (smile).
Enjoy. More service-learning sights and sounds from ServiceNation coming soon.
Mrs. Powell makes an excellent case for why service-learning "is not a nice thing to do. It is necessary." She gave a fantastic overview of America Promise's new strategic initiative, Ready for the Real World (if you don't know much about it, check it out).
This week, Mrs. Powell wrote an opinion-editorial titled Education through Service, in which she reinforces her pitch for service-learning.
Check out this clip of Mrs. Powell's remarks during the education panel at ServiceNation. Apologies for the terrible camera work. That's the danger of the digital age. Give a girl a camera phone, and she thinks she can be Steven Spielberg (smile).
Enjoy. More service-learning sights and sounds from ServiceNation coming soon.
September 12, 2008
Service-Learning in the National Spotlight
After being somewhat disappointed that service-learning and the role of youth civic engagement weren't explicitly discussed during last night's presidential forum, I never would've guessed that Mayor Michael Bloomberg would be among the first to thrust service-learning into the spotlight at ServiceNation.
Mayor Bloomberg told the audience about his administration's new initiative and commitment to engage New York city youth in service-learning (YES--he actually used service-learning in a sentence). Bloomberg reminded the crowd of what I've been so eager for someone to say on-stage since arriving last night: K-12 youth engaged in service must be a fundamental component in a ServiceNation and that you don't have to be over the age of 17 to work toward the common good.
FINALLY!!
But wait...it gets even better!
If Mayor Bloomberg was the first to mention service-learning, Mrs. Bush was the first to formally recognize the success and impact of Learn and Serve America, the only federal program dedicated to funding service-learning in schools, communities, and on college campuses (but more about Learn and Serve later).
Check out Mrs. Bush's remarks on the ServiceNation YouTube Channel.
Mayor Bloomberg told the audience about his administration's new initiative and commitment to engage New York city youth in service-learning (YES--he actually used service-learning in a sentence). Bloomberg reminded the crowd of what I've been so eager for someone to say on-stage since arriving last night: K-12 youth engaged in service must be a fundamental component in a ServiceNation and that you don't have to be over the age of 17 to work toward the common good.
FINALLY!!
But wait...it gets even better!
If Mayor Bloomberg was the first to mention service-learning, Mrs. Bush was the first to formally recognize the success and impact of Learn and Serve America, the only federal program dedicated to funding service-learning in schools, communities, and on college campuses (but more about Learn and Serve later).
Check out Mrs. Bush's remarks on the ServiceNation YouTube Channel.
Hillary
My first time hearing Hillary Clinton speak. She was great. Prior to this I had not heard of the service academies idea (I don't get out much), but she makes a compelling case -- her presentation was great. She understands the value of making service a right of passage and shows it clearly on her sleeve.
By my count we now have six senators (Cochran, McCain, Hatch, Clinton, Obama and Dodd) who are actively supporting the ServiceNation legislation. Just a hair this side of 10%. Not bad for the first four hours! This piece of legislation can definitely be done.
Jon Bon Jovi was next -- not bad, but from the looks of the faces at every other person at my table he is doing more for everyone else here. Someone just said he is beautiful.
Governor of California just spoke -- you know his name, but I can't spell it (we need to improve the public education system). Also a great speaker. I had no idea he was so funny. A great supporter of service and a friend of service learning -- he has to be great.
That is it for me on this event. My final impression is that this was a great move forward for the field. I am excited to have been here and for service learning to be a part of it all.
There was not enough service learning here and too few young people representing the millions of young people participating in service learning in secondary and elementary schools or at CBO's -- but a lot to build on. And, Monday the real work starts.
By my count we now have six senators (Cochran, McCain, Hatch, Clinton, Obama and Dodd) who are actively supporting the ServiceNation legislation. Just a hair this side of 10%. Not bad for the first four hours! This piece of legislation can definitely be done.
Jon Bon Jovi was next -- not bad, but from the looks of the faces at every other person at my table he is doing more for everyone else here. Someone just said he is beautiful.
Governor of California just spoke -- you know his name, but I can't spell it (we need to improve the public education system). Also a great speaker. I had no idea he was so funny. A great supporter of service and a friend of service learning -- he has to be great.
That is it for me on this event. My final impression is that this was a great move forward for the field. I am excited to have been here and for service learning to be a part of it all.
There was not enough service learning here and too few young people representing the millions of young people participating in service learning in secondary and elementary schools or at CBO's -- but a lot to build on. And, Monday the real work starts.
Must-See TV: Reflections on the ServiceNation Presidential Forum
As you know, civic leaders from across the country and all walks of life gathered at Columbia University in New York city last night for the ServiceNation Presidential Forum on National Service. It was the first time Senators John McCain and Barack Obama appeared together on stage since receiving the nominations of their political parties. It was nationally televised and aired on CNN, Fox-News, and local PBS stations. The only thing missing was the red carpet.
When I started this entry, I thought I would share a few service-learning highlights--and even a little critique--for those who missed last night's broadcast. But rather than get caught up in trying to report back exactly what the candidates said or didn't say (and in case you're wondering, neither said "service-learning"), I wanted to share the point that frankly strikes me the most.
In a single week, the sitting President of the United States and the two major candidates vying to become the next President of the United States all considered the importance of young people engaged in service and the need to learn the habits of engaged citizenship at an early age.
Yes, I would've loved to hear them all say more about the power of children and youth engaged in service--especially service combined with intentional learning and instruction. I probably would've leaped for joy if I actually heard the words "service-learning" uttered from the podium on the South Lawn of the White House or if someone would've mentioned Learn and Serve America as a key federal program on that national stage at Lerner Hall at Columbia University last night.
But I'm happy because our political reality is different now. Service-learning is included in presidential platforms and on the list of accomplishments of a president reflecting on the work of his administration. For the first time, the policy debate is not whether support for national service and service-learning should exist--but rather how and that's a pretty big deal.
Now, I'm not wearing rose colored glasses. I see that while there is much talk about creating a ServiceNation where civic engagement is truly in the fabric of our country, its institutions, and its people, there is not enough talk about the role K-12 youth can play in that process as active contributors and leaders, not just recipients of that service.
But that said, this moment is still not lost on me. Call me a nerd (most people do).
So--at least for this post--I'll save the critique and analysis for another post and for now, will just enjoy being in the same room as Spider Man and the Terminator.
More from me later.
When I started this entry, I thought I would share a few service-learning highlights--and even a little critique--for those who missed last night's broadcast. But rather than get caught up in trying to report back exactly what the candidates said or didn't say (and in case you're wondering, neither said "service-learning"), I wanted to share the point that frankly strikes me the most.
In a single week, the sitting President of the United States and the two major candidates vying to become the next President of the United States all considered the importance of young people engaged in service and the need to learn the habits of engaged citizenship at an early age.
Yes, I would've loved to hear them all say more about the power of children and youth engaged in service--especially service combined with intentional learning and instruction. I probably would've leaped for joy if I actually heard the words "service-learning" uttered from the podium on the South Lawn of the White House or if someone would've mentioned Learn and Serve America as a key federal program on that national stage at Lerner Hall at Columbia University last night.
But I'm happy because our political reality is different now. Service-learning is included in presidential platforms and on the list of accomplishments of a president reflecting on the work of his administration. For the first time, the policy debate is not whether support for national service and service-learning should exist--but rather how and that's a pretty big deal.
Now, I'm not wearing rose colored glasses. I see that while there is much talk about creating a ServiceNation where civic engagement is truly in the fabric of our country, its institutions, and its people, there is not enough talk about the role K-12 youth can play in that process as active contributors and leaders, not just recipients of that service.
But that said, this moment is still not lost on me. Call me a nerd (most people do).
So--at least for this post--I'll save the critique and analysis for another post and for now, will just enjoy being in the same room as Spider Man and the Terminator.
More from me later.
Kenneth Cole
I just sat in a session that featured Kenneth Cole - he was as nicely dressed as you might guess -- he was also incredibly insightful about why corporations participate in efforts like national service.
The nugget that I took from his presentation is that they do it because it is part of who they are. As Kenneth Cole put it, "we do this because it is who we are -- we do it because we are part of the world community".
A good thing for all of us to remember -- people at corporations care about this work as much as we do.
Now we just have to figure out how to create those partnerships.
I am going to work on how to dress as well as Kenneth Cole (not going to happen).
The nugget that I took from his presentation is that they do it because it is part of who they are. As Kenneth Cole put it, "we do this because it is who we are -- we do it because we are part of the world community".
A good thing for all of us to remember -- people at corporations care about this work as much as we do.
Now we just have to figure out how to create those partnerships.
I am going to work on how to dress as well as Kenneth Cole (not going to happen).
Historic Agreement
I didn't know this a few minutes ago -- but having Obama and McCain both sponsor the same bill is the first time that opposing presidential candidates have sponsored legislation during a campaign.
Wow -- the folks running this thing really know how to move things forward.
Wow -- the folks running this thing really know how to move things forward.
Environment Breakout
The Environment Breakout was sobering -- Robert Kennedy told a story about watching a certain type of Peregrine Falcon with his father when he was young. Before he reached the age of 12 that type of Falcon was extinct. A young girl asked how she could work on her community in Harlem that has become a dumping ground for the waste of those in more affluent neighborhoods.
A lot of work has been done and a lot is left to do. The good news is that there is a growing understand that young people need to be engaged in solving these problems. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne led a strong panel who all talked about the importance of engaging young people in solving these problems.
Overall a good experience.
A lot of work has been done and a lot is left to do. The good news is that there is a growing understand that young people need to be engaged in solving these problems. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne led a strong panel who all talked about the importance of engaging young people in solving these problems.
Overall a good experience.
Service is focused on results
Vanessa Kirsch is speaking eloquently about the need to really talk about and focus on creating results and going to scale.
Both topics seem to go to the heart of where service learning is. How do we focus on the difference we are making in communities? How do we go from a third of all schools to all schools? How does it become a right of passage? We have done a lot to move this process forward and I am very excited about what we can do going forward.
A note to all of us -- we have bi-partisan support for the ideas, we have people willing to help us move the ball forward -- over the coming months it is going to take our time and effort to bring this new idea to fruition.
Both topics seem to go to the heart of where service learning is. How do we focus on the difference we are making in communities? How do we go from a third of all schools to all schools? How does it become a right of passage? We have done a lot to move this process forward and I am very excited about what we can do going forward.
A note to all of us -- we have bi-partisan support for the ideas, we have people willing to help us move the ball forward -- over the coming months it is going to take our time and effort to bring this new idea to fruition.
Service Learning solves problems
The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them. Einstien.
The President of Duke University just made the most compelling argument for understanding service learning as a means to address community problems. And, I have to think that his argument applies equally to those of us working in the K-12, community based or higher education arenas.
His argument for bringing community problems into the classroom was followed by the President of Tulane University who is talking about how they are using service learning to rebuild New Orleans.
Service Learning is truly changing this country.
Congratulations to everyone who is making this happen in our communities.
The President of Duke University just made the most compelling argument for understanding service learning as a means to address community problems. And, I have to think that his argument applies equally to those of us working in the K-12, community based or higher education arenas.
His argument for bringing community problems into the classroom was followed by the President of Tulane University who is talking about how they are using service learning to rebuild New Orleans.
Service Learning is truly changing this country.
Congratulations to everyone who is making this happen in our communities.
Education Breakout
The education breakout was fantastic. From Wendy Kopp's words about how important it is that we all invest in the schools where we are needed the most really rang true. And. Alma Powell's words of support for service learning and its part in keeping young people in school were a great reminder that we are developing real champions in our effort to make to expand service learning.
Alicia Keys
For lunch we get to see Alicia Keys -- her words about how important it is that we address our pressing needs through service are truly heartfelt and inspiring.
Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve -- MLK
Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve -- MLK
Hatch
Not Hatch chiles - which are great -- but Senator Hatch, who is doing a great job talking about the policies he and Senator Kennedy are proposing. Right now he is talking about Service Learning and how they are going to offer competitive grants to address dropout prevention. And, there is more. He is announcing that the policy will include work study funds for colleges and universities to support service-learning. No numbers yet, but great news!!
A note reminder to anyone who is reading this -- these are new programs, not replacements for the existing Learn and Serve America.
A note reminder to anyone who is reading this -- these are new programs, not replacements for the existing Learn and Serve America.
ServiceNation
Just a quick update from the ServiceNation event. Caroline Kennedy just announced that Senators Hatch and Kennedy are co sponsoring a bill to expand national service - including Learn and Serve America. The legislation is going to co-sponsored by Senators Obama and McCain.
Great news for all of us!
Great news for all of us!
September 05, 2008
What are you doing for the Learn & Serve Challenge? A message from David Eisner
Dear National Service Colleagues:
What an exciting month for national service! The President will deliver a major speech on service next Monday, September 8th from the south lawn of the White House. Then from September 11-12, many of us will take part in Service Nation in New York to promote a new era of citizen service in America. On September 16th, the Corporation will hold its last board meeting of the administration. And the following week, I'll be one of many who will get to meet lots of our national service practitioners, leaders, and colleagues when they descend on Washington. These events will shine a national spotlight on service and help all Americans see that service is the solution to tackling the tough problems our country faces.
To top off this exciting time, we have an excellent opportunity to highlight the Learn & Serve Challenge as a way to build on the increased awareness about service to encourage our young people, communities and schools to participate in service-learning activities. The Learn & Serve Challenge takes place from October 6-12, and I hope everyone in the volunteering and national service community will take part.
Research shows that students involved in service-learning succeed better in school and in life. We know that when young people serve, they are much more likely to be engaged for the rest of their lives. Through the Challenge, you can spotlight service-learning impacts on young people and schools, encourage others to launch service-learning activities, and build public support and recognition for Learn and Serve America, the only federal program dedicated to service-learning.
And the Challenge isn't only for grantees of our Learn and Serve America program. Many AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have service-learning elements and I hope they get involved as well.
The Challenge moves us closer to our 2010 national goals of driving service-learning into half of America's K-12 schools and engaging 5 million college students in service.
Please visit www.learnandservechallenge.org where you will find lots of tools, fact sheets, Web banners, talking points, research briefs, and activity ideas for events to promote service-learning in your community.
The Learn & Serve Challenge is a collaborative effort led by the National Service-Learning Partnership with support from the State Farm Companies Foundation. Lead organizing partners include SEANet-the State Education Agency K-12 Service-Learning Network, Camp Fire USA, Campus Compact, the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, America's Promise Alliance and Youth Service America, working in collaboration with the Corporation.
So please join us and all of our Challenge partners as we shine the spotlight on service-learning in October!
In service,
David Eisner
CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service
What an exciting month for national service! The President will deliver a major speech on service next Monday, September 8th from the south lawn of the White House. Then from September 11-12, many of us will take part in Service Nation in New York to promote a new era of citizen service in America. On September 16th, the Corporation will hold its last board meeting of the administration. And the following week, I'll be one of many who will get to meet lots of our national service practitioners, leaders, and colleagues when they descend on Washington. These events will shine a national spotlight on service and help all Americans see that service is the solution to tackling the tough problems our country faces.
To top off this exciting time, we have an excellent opportunity to highlight the Learn & Serve Challenge as a way to build on the increased awareness about service to encourage our young people, communities and schools to participate in service-learning activities. The Learn & Serve Challenge takes place from October 6-12, and I hope everyone in the volunteering and national service community will take part.
Research shows that students involved in service-learning succeed better in school and in life. We know that when young people serve, they are much more likely to be engaged for the rest of their lives. Through the Challenge, you can spotlight service-learning impacts on young people and schools, encourage others to launch service-learning activities, and build public support and recognition for Learn and Serve America, the only federal program dedicated to service-learning.
And the Challenge isn't only for grantees of our Learn and Serve America program. Many AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have service-learning elements and I hope they get involved as well.
The Challenge moves us closer to our 2010 national goals of driving service-learning into half of America's K-12 schools and engaging 5 million college students in service.
Please visit www.learnandservechallenge.org where you will find lots of tools, fact sheets, Web banners, talking points, research briefs, and activity ideas for events to promote service-learning in your community.
The Learn & Serve Challenge is a collaborative effort led by the National Service-Learning Partnership with support from the State Farm Companies Foundation. Lead organizing partners include SEANet-the State Education Agency K-12 Service-Learning Network, Camp Fire USA, Campus Compact, the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, America's Promise Alliance and Youth Service America, working in collaboration with the Corporation.
So please join us and all of our Challenge partners as we shine the spotlight on service-learning in October!
In service,
David Eisner
CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service
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