News Roundup: August 7, 2009

This week has been filled with calls to potential partners for the National Learn & Serve Challenge. While I am bursting with excitement about some of our new partners, I will hold off on the announcement until we establish more formal relationships. Also, look out next week on the Partnership's website for the start of the Third Annual Multimedia Showcase! We received and recognized many great videos last year and look forward to more this year! The showcase is open to all K-12 students in the United States and must be 3 minutes in length or less. Again, watch for next week's announcement!

On with the news:
University of British Columbia, August 7, 2009 - It looks like service-learning isn't just increasing here in the United States. Although we are a national organization, it's always nice to see that the efforts of the field are being taken outside of the United States. This article explores the expanding international service-learning programs.

The Boston Globe, August, 7, 2009 - President Obama named Alan Solomont the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. Why is that important or interesting? Well, Mr. Solomont is currently the chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service. He served as an integral part of developing many successful initiatives. No word yet on his replacement. Read about it his appointment and long commitment to service here.

Christian Science Monitor, August 4, 2009 - I'm not sure how I feel about this smart-phone app. Currently, the app is set up so that people can help museums catalog historical photos and videos by tagging them. My first reaction is that something like this could be very efficient and helpful (look at Wikipedia!), but my second thought is how would this work into service-learning?

Star Tribune, August 4, 2009 - We need more editorials such at this one by Jim Kielsmeier. The service-learning field and work are great, but I find that people forget to make connections back to service-learning. Jim makes concrete connections between service-learning and the rise in volunteerism, and clearly points reasons for supporting service-learning.

We are continuing to feel the effects of the Volunteering in America report. Annapolis, MD (The Capital), Tulsa, OK (Tulsa World) and Omaha, NE (Omaha World-Herald) continue the trend of showing pride for their communities' involvement in service!