Countdown to the 2009 National Learn & Serve Challenge Kick Off!

Dear Service-Learning Supporters,

We are only a few weeks away from the 2009 National Learn & Serve Challenge Kick Off, October 5-11, 2009. This year, the Challenge kick off will issue a national call to action to schools, college campuses and youth-serving organizations to commit to engaging a significant number of young people in service-learning activities that address the tough problems facing the country during the 2009-2010 school year.

In the past, the Learn & Serve Challenge focused on a week of publicity and outreach. Now, it is becoming a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to promote opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school age youth to be engaged learners and active contributors to society year-round.

The Challenge will kick off on October 5. It is not too late for you to join. Below are a few ways you can participate in the Learn & Serve Challenge today.

Register your Challenge Kick Off Event and become a participating Proud Partner. This will express your support for service-learning and Learn and Serve America.

Gear Up for the Kick Off

1. Host a service-learning t-shirt or button day at your school or organization. Visit the Learn & Serve Challenge Online Store where you may purchase buttons, t-shirts, and other items on an as-needed basis. Use the Host a Button or T-Shirt Day Activity Tip Sheet for more planning hints and good ideas.Host a Button or T-Shirt Day Tip Sheet

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to show your service-learning pride, create your own stickers using labels. Just email us to receive a copy of the Learn & Serve Challenge logos that you can use to create your own stickers, buttons, or t-shirts.

2. Make a presentation to your local school board and/or city council. Make sure service-learning is not the best kept secret in your school or community. Use the Challenge as an opportunity to make key leaders aware of how service-learning is transforming lives and improving schools and communities right in their own backyard. Download the Make a Presentation Activity Tip Sheet to learn more.
Board Presentation Tip Sheet

3. Include a service-learning update in your school or organization's newsletter or website. Download sample text for newsletters, email announcements, and website features.
Sample Text

4. Show the Bring Learning to Life Public Service Announcement or another service-learning video during an upcoming staff or board meeting. Make plans to show the video to local community leaders and civic or service clubs, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Kiwanis, or Rotary Clubs. Download the public service announcement to your computer or request a free copy today.
Accept the Challenge today!

Sincerely,

2009 National Learn & Serve Challenge Organizing Team

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The Learn & Serve Challenge is a signature event of the National Service-Learning Partnership in collaboration with the Corporation for National and Community Service. It is made possible with support from State Farm® Companies Foundation.

The Challenge is supported by nearly 100 local, state, and national organizations committed to engaging in service-learning in our nation’s schools, college campuses, and communities. Lead Organizing Partners include:

America's Promise Alliance
American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Campus Compact
Learn and Serve America’s National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
National Alliance for Faith and Justice
National Community Education Association
National Education Association
National Youth Leadership Council
National Parent Teacher Association
SEANet - the State Education Agency K-12 Service-Learning Network
Usher’s New Look Foundation
Youth Service America

Find the 2009 National Learn & Serve Challenge on Facebook.

For more information, visit the Challenge website or call (202) 884-8982.