Service-Learning Blog

About 2 Hours Left Today: Call the White House to Support Service-Learning Funding

2011-04-15T15:09:00.003-04:00

Washington, DC - 4/15/11 - It's a little after 3:00 p.m. here in Washington, DC. The White House phone lines will be available for another two hours. Make the call for service-learning now.

1. Download these suggested talking points.
2. Dial 202-456-1111. Select option 1 to access the Comment Line.
3. Use the talking points to make the case for service-learning.
4. Once you're done, email sladvocate@gmail.com to let us know you made the call. We need at least 250-500 phone calls to put service-learning funding on the radar screen of White House officials. It is important that we track the number of calls being made to the White House about service-learning funding. Don't skip this step!

Remember: DO NOT ASK TO RESTORE FUNDING FOR LEARN AND SERVE AMERICA. By all accounts, that will not happen. Instead, ask the White House to give the Corporation for National and Community Service the flexibility (and frankly the priority) to maintain a foothold for service-learning in its Fiscal Year 2011 budget. If funding for service-learning is completely eliminated now, it will be almost impossible to restore in the future.

Check out www.servicelearningunited.org for the latest talking points and additional information to make the case for service-learning funding. Okay--it's 3:18 p.m. Make the call now!

Sign Letter in Support of Service-Learning Funding

2011-04-14T12:17:00.002-04:00

Washington, DC - 4/14/11 - Learn and Serve America has been slated for elimination as part of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget deal negotiated by the White House and the Congress. Learn and Serve America is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service and is the ONLY federal funding source dedicated to investing in service-learning in our nation's schools and communities. This is devastating news. This decision will drastically erode—if not dismantle—the support system for service-learning that exists in most states and, to some extent, local schools and communities.

While the topline budget numbers are final, the Corporation for National and Community Service may have some discretion to identify some funds within its budget to continue modest support for service-learning in Fiscal Year 2011.

Our opportunity to save funding for service-learning is a long shot,but possible. It is essential that White House and Administration officials hear from us as soon as possible. If funding for service-learning is totally eliminated from the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, the chance of restoring it in the future is almost impossible.

Take action to make a difference for the future of service-learning funding today:

SIGN-ON. Add your school or organization's name to the list of organizations speaking out against the elimination of Learn and Serve America. Sign-on to this letter by close of business Friday, April 15.

Download the letter here.

Click here to add your school or organization's name to this letter.

Service Funding Situation: Message from the Save Service Campaign

2011-04-12T12:02:00.003-04:00

Washington, DC - 4/12/11 - By now you may be starting to hear reports regarding the budget deal agreed to by the White House and Congress for FY 11. We know that there has been a $74.6 million reduction in funding for CNCS, and according to some accompanying press releases, that number includes a $23 million reduction in funding for AmeriCorps and a $40 million reduction in funding for Learn and Serve America, which is the entire Learn and Serve America budget.

There is another $12.5 million in cuts for which the source is not specified. In addition, all domestic discretionary programs will be subject to a .2 across the board cut, which has not been applied to the numbers I report above. (so there will be an additional cut).

We are working hard to thoroughly analyze the bill, but there are few specifics and there is no explanatory statement, which leaves a lot of discretion to agencies, and makes it very difficult to nail down details easily. We have reached out to our sources on the Hill and at CNCS and will let you know more as soon as we know more.

Speak. Act. Now for Service-Learning: Call Your Senators

2011-04-07T14:44:00.004-04:00

Atlanta, GA - (4/7/11)- Over the next day or so, Congress will take action on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget. It is time to raise our voices again. Senators and their staff are literally keeping tallies on who they hear from and about what. When it comes time for a vote, these tallies matter. Now is the time to flood the phone lines.

Today, participants of the 2011 National Service-Learning Conference will make the call for service-learning today. Our goal is to make at least 1,000 calls. Even if you couldn't join us in Atlanta for the conference, you can still be a voice for service-learning today.

MAKE THE CALL for service-learning.
Dial 1-855-877-3783

Click here to learn how you can make a difference for service-learning now.

Download suggested talking points you can use to make the call today.

Special thanks to the National Youth Leadership Council and the Save Service Campaign for their help in organizing this special call-in day for service-learning supporters.

2011 National Service-Learning Underway

2011-04-07T01:16:00.003-04:00

Atlanta, Georgia - (April 6, 2011) - The 2011 National Service-Learning Conference is in full swing. National Youth Leadership Council CEO Kelita Bak issued an excellent call to action from the main stage. We're looking forward to launching a strategic MAKE THE CALL day as an opportunity for conference attendees (and others) to be a voice for service-learning today.

More than 70 young professionals and veteran service-learning leaders attended the Service-Learning Young Professionals Network (SLYPN) Welcome Reception. We enjoyed great desserts (thanks Lana!) and even better dialogue as young professionals networked with seasoned leaders and with each other. This event was convened by the National Service-Learning Partnership in collaboration with the National Youth Leadership Council. It was made possible with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Next stop...7:30 a.m. Service-Learning United Policy Town Hall Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in the International Ballroom North.

Service-Learning Young Professionals Gather in Atlanta, GA

2011-03-31T10:47:00.004-04:00

Attention Young Professionals! It's time to get connected! Join us for the 2011 Service-Learning Young Professionals Network Welcome Reception at the 2011 National Service-Learning in Atlanta, Georgia.

When: Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Time: 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency, Hanover E
Light refreshments will be served

Meet up with other young professionals (ages 20-30 something) who share your passion for service-learning and your interests in youth, education, community development or civic engagement. Mix and mingle with prominent leaders who shape service-learning practice, research, and policy on the state and national levels.

SLYPN is convened by the National Service-Learning Partnership. We are pleased to host this year's welcome reception in collaboration with the National Youth Leadership Council.

With suport from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, SLYPN was created in 2005 to provide young professionals opportunities to develop the skills and capacities they need to pursue their interests and advance their careers in service-learning. SLYPN provides young professionals unprecedented access to seasoned leaders and service-learning pioneers by providing the resources, tools, information, and connections they need to reach success.

Learn more about SLYPN here. If you haven't done so already, stay connected to SLYPN via LinkedIn (search for Service-Learning Young Professionals Network).

See you in Atlanta!

Senators Receive 10,000 Phone Calls in Support of Service and Service-Learning

2011-03-16T12:55:00.003-04:00

March 16, 2011 - The Save Service Campaign team just reported that approximately 10,000 calls were made to members of the U.S. Senate on a single day! Can they hear us now?

Make the Call for Service & Service-Learning Today!

2011-03-15T13:28:00.002-04:00

March 15, 2011 - Today, Service-Learning United and the National Service-Learning Partnership will join with partners from the Save Service Campaign to light up phone lines in the U.S. Senate in support of service and service-learning.

It's not too late to join us. Click here to read the full message and to learn how you can participate.

See yesterday's blog post below to see a short video clip from the Save Service Campaign.

Service Savers Episode 1

2011-03-14T13:15:00.000-04:00

My favorite little Service-Learning Super Hero is ready to make the call for service and service-learning on Tuesday, March 15th. Are you ready to make the call? Register on www.saveservice.org and visit www.servicelearningunited.org to download talking points to help you be a voice for service-learning.

2011-02-25T10:05:00.003-05:00

February 25, 2011 - Today during lunch, I'm going to visit the local office of one of my elected officials to speak up for service-learning funding. The National Service-Learning Partnership is not a Learn and Serve America grantee. In fact, we've never received funds from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Nevertheless, I will participate in the Save Service District Day today.

As an organization that believes in the power of youth engaged in service-learning, we realize how important Learn and Serve America is to providing a strong foundation for service-learning in almost every state and in schools and communities nationwide. So many of service-learning superstars and exemplary programs got their start with support from Learn and Serve America. More than 500,000 teachers and community partners access the resources of the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse each year. A much-needed service-learning longitudinal study is finally underway, but could come to an abrupt halt if we lose this fight.

There's a lot at stake and YOU still have the chance to make a difference.

Today, more than 2,000 people will make the case for service and service-learning to policymakers right in their own neighborhoods and communities. As part of the Save Service District Day, teams of regular people will visit local congressional offices to help policymakers and their staff realize the value and broad-based support for the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs, which includes Learn and Serve America.

Even though the Save Service District Day is already underway, there is still something you can do!

Take a few minutes to drop by the local office of your elected officials today to express support for service-learning, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Learn and Serve America. You don't need an appointment for a scheduled meeting. Just show up! Ask to see your Member of Congress. If she/he is not available, ask to speak to the District Director or a staff member responsible for appropriations or education/service policy issues

Use the talking points and fact sheet available at http://www.servicelearningunited.org/ to help articulate what we stand to lose if funding for Learn and Serve America and the Corporation for National and Community Service goes away.

Next week, there will be a strong push to have phone calls and faxes sent to members of the U.S. Senate. Today, however, let's continue to urge people to drop by the local offices of their elected officials. We want to give Members of Congress and their staff the opportunity to put a face to the "cuts."

A small amount of your time today will help make a BIG difference in the weeks ahead as the Congress continues discussions and decisions for service-learning funding. Tell your service-learning story today.

Save Service District Day Update: New Tip Sheet for Service-Learning Supporters

2011-02-23T13:13:00.004-05:00

February 23, 2011 - Two days and counting until the Save Service District Day on Friday, February 25 in communities across the country. This is an opportunity for service-learning supporters to visit policymakers right in their own backyard.

Be a voice for service-learning on Friday. Do not miss this opportunity to tell your service-learning story to policymakers and their staff.

Sign up today to join a District Day team in your local area.
Check out a new District Day Tipsheet for Service-Learning Supporters.

Message from Save Service Campaign Director AnnMaura Connolly

2011-02-22T15:22:00.006-05:00

February 20, 2011 - Early Saturday morning, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 legislation that would make deep cuts in government spending for the rest of the fiscal year. The measure--which eliminates the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs--passed 235-189.

The House vote is just one step in the legislative process. The bill has been sent to the Senate for their consideration, and the Senate and the President will have opportunities to shape and influence the final spending package. But it is up to us to make certain that the final bill restores funding for service!

Members of Congress have left Washington and returned home for a week-long recess. They will be back in their states and districts talking to constituents, and this presents the perfect opportunity for us to express our disappointment with the House vote and ask that funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service be restored in the final spending bill.

We must take full advantage of this congressional break and this starts with "Save Service District Day" on Friday, February 25th. I encourage you to visit http://www.saveservice.org/ for more information and to sign up to visit your local congressional district office with other service (and service-learning) champions.

White House to Host Conference Call with Young Americans

2011-01-26T10:40:00.004-05:00

On January 26 at 9:00 p.m. eastern, the White House will conduct a conference call with young Americans. Senior White House officials David Plouffe, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor, and Stephanie Cutter, Assistant to the President for Special Projects, will be on the line to discuss a range of issues that matter most to young people.

We urge young people who participate in service-learning to participate in this call. RSVP here.

National Challenge Places Youth on Frontlines of Solving Country’s Most Persistent Problems

2010-10-19T10:21:00.002-04:00

Washington, DC – In the face of the biggest challenges experienced in a generation, millions of young people across the nation are responding by using their talents, creativity and voices to transform the world through national and community service.

Today, the Corporation for National and Community Service joins with the National Service-Learning Partnership, and a coalition of more than 100 national service-learning leaders, educators, and community advocates to kickoff the 4th Annual National Learn & Serve Challenge. The year-long challenge aims to expand opportunities for youth to serve and promote service-learning, a proven teaching method that harnesses the enthusiasm and skills of young people to solve problems in their schools and communities as part of their academic studies. More than 80,000 young people, parents and teachers from across 35 states kicked off the Learn and Serve Challenge last year by participating in 178 events and activities across the country.

“This is an opportunity to honor the ways youth translate what they learn in the classroom into action to improve their lives and communities,” said Patrick A. Corvington, CEO of the Corporation, which oversees Learn and Serve America. “By shining a spotlight on the great results of service-learning programs, we hope to inspire more schools, communities and groups to embrace youth service as a proven solution to our national challenges.”

Read the full article here.

Call for Presenters: National Service-Learning Conference (April 6-9, 2011, Atlanta, Georgia)

2010-09-22T14:59:00.002-04:00

Do you have a great service-learning project/program?
Do you want to spend four fabulous days in Atlanta, GA surrounded other service-learning folks?

Then, the National Youth Leadership Council's (NYLC) National Service-Learning Conference is for you! Share your experiences and knowledge with the service-learning world, April 6-9, 2011, in Atlanta, GA.

NYLC is accepting workshop proposals NOW!

All proposals must be submitted online by midnight CDT, September 24, 2010.

We hope to see you in Atlanta!

Service-learning grants from Youth Service America!

2010-09-22T14:51:00.002-04:00

Attention all service-learning folks! Youth Service America (YSA) has two grant opportunities for the field!

The State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant applications are due October 15, 2010. These grant awards are for $1,000 each for engaging students in service-learning.

The UnitedHealth HEROES Service-Learning Grant applications are due October 22, 2010. This is a health literacy initiative geared towards fighting childhood obesity.

U.S. News & World Report - Best Colleges 2011

2010-08-19T13:38:00.001-04:00

Check out the report on Best Colleges: Service-Learning!

News Roundup: May 28, 2010

2010-05-28T13:25:00.002-04:00

The Partnership wishes everyone a safe holiday weekend. With Memorial Day weekend, many schools are ending their school year, as many others are in their final testing phases. Please remember that service-learning can and does happen over the summer months! This is a fantastic time to introduce service-learning, or to widen the breadth of your knowledge and experience. If your organization/group operates on the school year calendar, take the time to start planning for next year. Remember to document your stories and use several of the articles below as guidance for reporting your successes!

The Western Front, May 28, 2010 - Western Washington University is launching a program for incoming freshmen involving service-learning. Thinking back to my own freshmen orientation week, I would not only have benefited from a program like this one, but also jumped at the chance! What other schools out there are offering similar programs for their incoming freshmen?

Petaluma360.com, May 27, 2010 - A fantastic spotlight on a local (Petaluma, CA) teacher and service-learning coordinator. The article highlights Teri Scott's impact on her school and community. I hope more local newspapers highlight and recognize the hardworking teachers in their own communities!

The Washington Post, May 23, 2010 - Stonewall Middle School (Manassas, VA) students participated in the Of the Student, by the Student, for the Student program. These students will have the opportunity to explore the battles of Bull Run and write, create and edit videos to be shown at the battle field. I love that this program combines this history rich area with service-learning and technology - all things that are so very important!

News Roundup: May 21, 2010

2010-05-21T15:31:00.003-04:00

This news roundup starts with an article about the benefits of service-learning in easing the freshman transition in college. Check out the Freshman Transition Initiative website!

Duluth News Tribune, May 20, 2010 - Commentary on service-learning from the superintendent of Duluth Public Schools, Keith Dixon. We need more commentary along these lines from across the country!

Star News, May 20, 2010 - Spectrum High School also recounts their year of service in preparation for graduation. Great job to the students at Spectrum!

ISU Headlines, May 20, 2010 - Idaho State University recaps their year of service. Hopefully, their lead will encourage others to document and publish highlights from their year of service!

Tahoe Daily Tribune, May 17, 2010 - Information about the 24th International Project Learning Tree Coordinators' Conference going on this week.

Battle Creek Enquirer, May 17, 2010 - Kellogg Community College's service-learning initiative continues its giving ways with their latest project benefiting the Battle Creek Haven of rest!

News Roundup: May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T15:28:00.003-04:00

In the news is the Partnership's very own Nelda Brown. Watch Nelda at the Serve America Act Anniversary celebration!

Here is a sampling of what has been going on since we last posted:

News Bulletin.com, May 15, 2010 - A Belen High School teacher partnered with our friends at EarthForce to start a Summer of Service program at Belen.

Greene County Daily World, May 14, 2010 - Wow, Bloomfield School District had over 800 participants in their "Bloom in Bloomfield" service-learning project! This is a great lesson in showing how one teacher can start a larger movement.

Independent Press, May 12, 2010 - A seventh grader from Kent Place School in Summit, NJ recounts her service-learning trip to Tanzania. This is part of the school's Global Service-Learning Initiative.

Whitman-Hanson Express, May 12, 2010 - Whitman-Hanson Regional High School students presented at the Massachusetts Service-Learning Conference. This high school won in the Partnership's first Multimedia Showcase.

Honolulu Advertiser, May 11, 2010 - The NFL YET Hawaii-Boys & Girls Club of Nanakuli produced video reflections as part of their service-learning project. Read more about the State Farm funded multimedia facility.

News Roundup: May 11, 2010

2010-05-11T14:57:00.003-04:00

The school year is coming to an end soon (for most), but that does not mean that service-learning in the news has to come to an end. Please make sure that you are all telling your stories of service throughout the summer!

The Amplifier, May 10, 2010 - Western Kentucky University's Women's Studies Program hosts a week long camp for low income women and their children.

USA Today, May 7, 2010 - College tax credits from community service. Interesting concept - what do you think?

Pirates Baseball News, May 7, 2010 - Major league baseball players get involved through the Action Team. Read more about this service-learning curriculum and how major league baseball is involved!

Winnipeg Free Press, May 6, 2010 - Though just over our borders, University of Manitoba students traveled far for their five week service-learning project in Ghana.

Windsor Beacon, May 6, 2010 - Here's a story about a middle school (Severance Middle School) implementing service-learning for the first time. They make mention of Greg Mortenson's book "Three Cups of Tea" being an inspiration - one of my favorite books!

Campus Technology, May 5, 2010 - This is an interesting theory - "the applications are designed to augment student access to opportunities for learning without intervention of teachers." Do you think this works? Read about the potential applications to service-learning.

Free Times, May 5, 2010 - Columbia College introduced new health care programs in response to the health care crisis. The two programs are both four year service-learning programs.

News Roundup: May 4, 2010

2010-05-03T10:28:00.004-04:00

This is the first news roundup in the month of May. Keep the good service-learning rolling!

The Daily Times, May 4, 2010 - Maryville Christian School students are required to complete 24 hours of service for service-learning projects.

The Collegian Online, May 3, 2010 - Service-learning in the classroom at California State University, Fresno. "S" is for service-learning in the California State University system!

The Forum of Fargo-Morehead, May 2, 2010 - North Dakota State University students took service-learning to the Fort Berthold Reservation. We're definitely seeing a trend of service-learning going to the American Indian/Alaska Native reservations lately.

Washington Post, May 2, 2010 - In the Prince William County Notes, Stonewall Middle School received a Learn and Serve America grant. It's always nice to see my home state represented in the service-learning world!

Rouse Hill Times, May 1, 2010 - Nicole Williamson, a teacher from Australia, attended the National Service-Learning Conference in San Jose, CA. It's great to see the positive impact of the conference (and service-learning) in other parts of the world!

Paso Robles Press, April 30, 2010 - Lewis Middle School students save water on Earth Day!

News Roundup: April 30, 2010

2010-04-30T15:09:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe it is already the last day of April! So much has happened this past month, but we are already looking ahead to the summer months and planning for the fall! Remember, the 2010-2011 National Learn & Serve Challenge kicks off October 18-24, 2010. We look forward to participation from all of you! Now, a quick roundup of the latest news.

Baltimore Sun, April 29, 2010 - Here's a local school's efforts to help the Haiti earthquake victims. Severna Park Middle School students raised $12,000! Way to go!

Redwood Falls Gazette, April 29, 2010 - Read about Redwood Valley High School students "strolling" for service.

The Brown Daily Herald, April 29, 2010 - Why is Brown University making a distinction between "engaged scholar" and "service-learning"? Why does the language of service-learning "not fly" with the faculty? While I applaud the school for trying to incorporate service into the classroom, I am a bit puzzled and saddened (more sad than puzzled) by this article.

News Roundup: April 29, 2010

2010-04-29T14:14:00.002-04:00

As we approach the end of the school year, we start receiving stories of students and programs being honored for their work during this past academic year. Below are some of the highlights from the past few days. Remember, even though these stories are great, we as a field should be pushing these stories all year round! Be proud of the service-learning work that you are doing and your accomplishments and keep the stories coming!

The Herald-Mail, April 28, 2010 - Washington County, Maryland students were honored at the Service-Learning Senior Honor Night for having earned 150 or more hours of service. Nice job to the 90 students who were honored!

West Branch Times, April 28, 2010 - Students at Scattergood Friends School built a rain garden on honor of Lili Smith, a student who died in October as a result of complications consistent with Apert syndrome. They were aided by a $6,000 grant for their service-learning project.

Lewis-Clark State College, April 28, 2010 - Lewis-Clark's Web Development Program was recognized as the Exemplary Program of the Year among Idaho's Technical Colleges. The program provides many service-learning opportunities for the students in an effort to meet the needs and flexibility demands of the students.

PR Newswire, April 27, 2010 - Check out this article on Nobel Learning Communities, Inc.'s Giving Without Walls curriculum. This program follows students from first through eighth grades by building on the skills learned in the previous year.

The Telescope, April 26, 2010 - Great article about Palomar College's Service-Learning Program encouraging students to enroll in a course and explaining why it's important!

ASU News, April 26, 2010 - Read about Arizona State University's EPICS GOLD program, which shows how to extend service-learning into a "traditional major."

News Roundup: April 26, 2010

2010-04-26T16:24:00.003-04:00

Even though two big days of service (Earth Day and Global Youth Service Day) are over for another year, I hope we will continue to receive service-learning news stories from around the country!

Here are a few selections from today (and this past weekend):

PR Newswire, April 26, 2010 - The Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, CA, was recently named one of six finalists in President Obama's 'Race to the Top' High School Commencement Challenge. The school is known for their Green Ambassadors program, which has been honored with the California Service-Learning Leader Award. Voting begins today!

The Independent Collegian, April 26, 2010 - Interesting ties between a university business class and non-profit child care and family center.

Delmarva Now, April 25, 2010 - Bennett Middle School ties together Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations.

Pantagraph.com, April 23, 2010 - Students in McLean County (IL) were honored at the county's Global Youth Service Day celebrations at Illinois State University.

Spotlight on two VA public schools!

2010-04-23T14:42:00.005-04:00

Today, two Virginia public schools (Learn and Serve grantees) presented at a federal interagency service-learning and environmental-education forum at the Corporation for National and Community Service. I was fortunate enough to have received an invitation to attend this event, and was thoroughly impressed and touched by the students and their presentations. Students from both St. Paul High School and the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School for Marine and Environmental Science will take part in the Environmental Protection Agency's Earth Day Celebration on the National Mall.

St. Paul High School (in Wise County) students spoke about Team Estonoa. In a town with a population of less than 1000 people, and a school with a student body population of under 200, the students on Team Estonoa have started to restore the wetlands of Estonoa. They have built a learning center, which serves as an outdoor classroom, to help educate the students and their surrounding community. This learning center boasts a conference room, solar panels, observation deck and a green roof.

According to their data, the students at St. Paul have logged at least 2000 man power hours per year, and are on track to do so again this year. With multiple state and national awards, this team of students has continued to positively impact their community and the Clinch River watershed. Hopefully, even with the talks of consolidating their school with a rival school across county lines, the students of Team Estonoa will be able to continue their mission! Please visit their website for more information about Wetlands Estonoa!

Side note: These plucky students came to DC with t-shirts for President Obama and the rest of the First Family. I hope that those t-shirts do make it to the First Family!

The second school to present was the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School for Marine and Environmental Science (CBGS). These students are required to perform 120 service hours, 60 of which must be environmental service. These students participated in educational outreach to other local schools, restoration at Belle Island State Park and the Urbanna Oyster Festival Marine Science Day.

The CBGS students spoke in depth about their unique education outreach opportunities. The first is the "Hot Days School Science," a hands-on summer science camp. The second is "Squid for Kids," where the students toured eight local schools with a Humboldt Squid (donated by NOAA). Think of the impact that these young people are making on their community and other young people!

As a product of the Virginia Public School system and a coach of a local high school swim team, it was refreshing to see that the school system is still producing great students and has dedicated teachers. I am a firm believer in the public school system, and these students showed what can happen when service-learning is utilized and done well. Even so, when asked by a state school board member what was the one thing they needed, the students answered funding and support. Funding and support!!

News Roundup: April 23, 2010

2010-04-23T11:11:00.003-04:00

Hopefully everyone had a productive Earth Day yesterday (and is continuing celebrations as the EPA celebrates on the national mall tomorrow) and has started the celebrations for Global Youth Service Day! Here are a few news stories from the past few days:

Philadelphia Inquirer, April 23, 2010 - Temple University's Ambler campus is holding EarthFest 2010 today. It is a celebration in honor of Earth Day!

Post Tribune, April 23, 2010 - Two students at Purdue University North Central presented a paper on the benefits of service-learning to the 2010 IMPACT Conference.

WMU News, April 22, 2010 - Western Michigan University launches its new Center for Service-Learning!

Nashua Telegraph, April 22, 2010 - A brief history of Earth Day and activities scheduled in Nashua, NH.

News Roundup: April 21, 2010

2010-04-21T15:49:00.007-04:00

This news roundup features a variety of stories from higher ed and k-12, with spotlights on great work and upcoming events.

Portland Press Herald, April 21, 2010 - Time Warner donates $35,000 to support service-learning projects in Maine. This is a generous donation and we need more like this!

SF State News, April 20, 2010 - Q&A with the San Francisco State University's Community Service-Learning Award.

The Daily Aztec, April 19, 2010 - Sustainable farming and service-learning at San Diego State University!

Huffington Post, April 19, 2010 - Steve Culbertson's posting in the Huffington Post about Global Youth Service Day!

St. Norbert Times, April 19, 2010 - A short article on bringing service-learning to the classroom.

IU News Room, April 15, 2010 - Indiana University Bloomington will hold its Summer Service-Learning Institute on May 12-14. This is a great opportunity for the faculty and community groups on campus to come together to discuss service-learning. Other colleges and universities could benefit from this.

As a side note, Nelda Brown and I attended the National AfterSchool Association Convention this week, and there were so many similarities to the service-learning field, including our struggles and strengths. It should be interesting, as we go forward, to see where we will be able to fold in the afterschool work into service-learning and vice versa.

News Roundup: April 14, 2010

2010-04-14T11:21:00.003-04:00

We finally have the news round ups back up and running! This news round up features many great higher education stories and other service-learning stories and we approach Global Youth Service Day.

Payson Roundup, April 13, 2010 - This article features Payson High School and their Project Ignition win. The Partnership was actually at the National Service-Learning Conference and the State Farm Awards Night to see the winning high schools, and their energy was high and positive. Great job Payson High School!

Kapi'O, April 12, 2010 - Story about Kapiolani Community College's service-learning program. The University of Hawaii affiliated community colleges have participated in past Learn & Serve Challenges and offer many service-learning opportunities for their students and community.

Foster's Daily Democrat, April 12, 2010 - University of New Hampshire teamed up with Oyster River Middle School for a spring service-learning project. This is a great example of university students giving back to the community!

The Woodinville Weekly, April 12, 2010 - Cascadia Community College, which is on the President's Honor Roll for Community Service in Higher Educationa and a former participant of the Learn & Serve Challenge, worked with Maywood Hills Elementary School students to create a mural. This mural covered an older one, which suffered extensive wear and tear, along with being a target of graffiti.

Portland Press Herald, April 8, 2010 - Maine Campus Compact recognized three people for their efforts to promote public service through higher education. One of the recipients was a professor at the University of Southern Maine, Lorrayne Carroll. She is a professor of English and gender studies at USM, and received the Donald Harward Award for Faculty Service-Learning Excellence in a ceremony at the Maine State Museum. Congratulations to her and kudos to Campus Compact for their continued great work!

Even with all of these great stories, we will have others where the news is not good. However, even in these situations, people are trying to fight for what they believe.
Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 9, 2010 - UC Santa Cruz students marched in protest of the suspension of the Community Studies major. Our field is often overlooked for more "popular" majors and strategies, so it's so important to keep shining the spotlight on the good work being done in service-learning!

Summer Institute in Service-Learning in Austin

2010-04-14T11:17:00.001-04:00

From John Spence, Director of Service Learning Texas, A Statewide Initiative of the Texas Education Agency and Region 14 Education Service Center

Please join us in Austin, Texas, on June 16-18, 2010, for the 7th Annual Summer Institute in Service-Learning, hosted by Service Learning Texas, a statewide initiative of Region 14 Education Service Center and the Texas Education Agency. This year's Institute, Continuing the Journey, will include workshops by national and state presenters on effective strategies for growing, improving, and sustaining service-learning practice in K-12 schools and a special track sponsored by State Farm on service-learning and disaster preparedness.

LEARN through engaging workshops by national and state presenters, including Cathy Berger Kaye, Jim Toole, Tracy Harkins, Joan Liptrot, Julene Reed, and Barry Guillot;

CONNECT with colleagues and expert service-learning practitioners;

SERVE others through participation in an on-site service project;

EXPAND your horizons through sessions on Systems Thinking, Brain-Based Learning, Field Investigations, and many other topics; and

ENJOY a screening of the film One Peace at a Time followed by a lively discussion with staff of the Nobelity Project (www.nobelity.com).

To register for this event, which has consistently been rated as an excellent and cost-effective professional development opportunity, please check our Institute webpage at http://www.servicelearningtexas.org/trainings/summerinstitute.

Registration is now open, and the early bird rate of $275.00 is in effect through April 16. We're also offering a separate pre-conference session on Service-Learning 101 with Cathy Berger Kaye for $95 (including the new edition of The Complete Guide to Service-Learning). Service Learning Texas (formerly the Texas Center for Service-Learning) is a statewide initiative of Region 14 Education Service Center and the Texas Education Agency. The SLT Summer Institute is supported through funding from the Learn and Serve America Program of the Corporation for National and Community Service and through funding from the Texas Zone of State Farm Insurance. We hope to see you in Austin!

Service-Learning Training of Trainers!

2010-04-14T09:29:00.003-04:00

Budgets for service-learning professional development keep getting smaller for organizations and school districts across the country while the need for high quality training continues.

What are schools and organizations to do?

Professional Development Trade Secrets: Exploring the Service-Learning Trainer’s Toolkit

May 3 & 4, 2010 in Atlantic City, NJ

The Institute for Global Education & Service Learning (IGESL) will host a training of service learning trainers featuring the Service Learning Trainer's Toolkit!

The Service-Learning Trainer’s Toolkit -- a compilation of activities, tools, and research created by and for youth and adult trainers from across the country. Based in the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice, the Trainer's Toolkit will enable adults and youth with service learning experience to train others in their schools and community. This great new resource from the Institute for Global Education & Service Learning is Earth friendly - you print only the resources you need! The toolkit includes templates for reusable materials and customizable tools that can be easily adapted to a variety of settings ranging from one-hour workshops on a particular standard to multiple-day Service-Learning 101 trainings. Over 40 activities provided include support materials such as card templates, worksheets, and videos as well as diverse K-12 and community-based project examples to assist you in teaching others about the standards and the IPARD process. Visit www.igesl.org for more information and to order!

Opportunities to explore and use activities from the Service-Learning Trainer's Toolkit with feedback from national trainers will be provided at this exciting and engaging 2 day event co-hosted by the NJ Southern Regional Center for Service Learning and Learn & Serve NJ.

Training will provide you with
• Introduction to brain based concepts that promote optimal learning in youth and adults
• Ideas for creating interactive, engaging service-learning professional development
• Resources for building a standards-based service-learning training or workshop

Registration Includes
• Service Learning Trainer’s Toolkit
• Two days of interactive, hands-on “Train the Trainer” sessions
• One-on-one technical assistance from national professional development providers
• The opportunity to be part of a learning community with others in the field who provide professional development
• Breakfast & Lunch both days

Cost to Attend
$450/adult (Discounted $50/additional adult(s) from the same organization)
$375/youth

TRAINING LOCATION:
Carnegie Library Center of Richard Stockton College
35 South Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ

TRAINING HOTEL:
Courtyard by Marriott
1212 Pacific Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
Guaranteed room rate: $80/night/room plus tax
For Room Block is under “IGESL” and will close April 19, 2010.
Reservations: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/AIYCYgroupCode=IGEIGES&app=resvlink&fromDate=5/2/10&toDate=5/5/10

What people are saying about this training & the Toolkit:
- “What a great resource this is. I have been doing service learning training for a dozen years and it is so nice to find wonderful and engaging new things to do and new ways to do it!” Susan Abravanel, Vice President of Education, Youth Service America
- “IGESL provides high quality training in truly engaging ways! State Farm Northeast Zone has relied on their expertise to train our grants team and we consult their expertise regularly.” Sue Sampson, State Farm Northeast Zone Public Affairs
- “This is the best service-learning training resource that is out there!” Shira Cohen, Dean of School & Community Programs, New Foundations Charter School
- “The activities provided practical information which could be used during training in our schools, in our classrooms, and in our communities.” Karen Cook, Teacher/Service Learning Coordinator, Valdosta High School

For more information about the Service-Learning Trainer’s Toolkit or to REGISTER for this event, visit www.igesl.org, call 215.945.8118 or email jcote@igesl.org.

Congratulations to the 2010 Multimedia Showcase Winners!

2010-03-25T11:52:00.001-04:00

Please see our post at the Showcase blog!

Young Professionals Mixer: Tonight at the National Service-Learning Conference!

2010-03-25T10:34:00.002-04:00

The Service-Learning Young Professionals Network (SLYPN) is hosting a social mixer/networking session at the National Service-Learning Conference in San Jose, CA.

Where: San Jose Marriott, Suite 400
When: tonight (March 25) @ 6-7:30 PM

You do not need to be a "young" professional to join us. Please come for great company and an opportunity to talk about service-learning in a relaxed environment!

We hope to see you tonight!

Act Now for SL Funding: March 17-19

2010-03-17T15:53:00.006-04:00

Dear Service-Learning Colleague:

ACT NOW: March 17-19, 2010: Reach Out to the U.S. House of Representatives to Support Funding for Learn and Serve America

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives must hear from service-learning advocates NOW. Many Representatives will submit their priorities for the Fiscal Year 2011 budget by Friday, March 19. We have three days to make an impact!

CALL CONGRESS. Call to urge your Representative to fully fund the President’s budget request for the Corporation for National and Community Service—and to provide an additional $10 million to fund Learn and Serve America for a total of $50 million. Use these talking points. After you make your calls, urge at least 5 other people to do the same.

CLICK AND SEND AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE. Take two minutes to send a personal message to members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s fast, and it’s easy. Copy and paste the talking points below and visit www.house.gov to email your Representative today. But don’t stop there. Ask your colleagues, parents, teachers, youth, friends, local supporters, and funders to send a message too. Spread the word about funding support for service-learning with a quick click.

Use Service-Learning United's Take Action Instructions and Message Points to call or email Congress.

There are several members of the U.S. House of Representatives who have either expressed interest in or supported service-learning or Learn and Serve America in the past. In addition to reaching out to your own Representative, I urge you to also call or email the Representatives below. Let them know we appreciate their leadership and commitment to supporting young people engaged in hands-on learning and civic action.

Charles Boustany (LA-7th)
Allen Boyd (FL-2nd)
Susan Davis (CA-53rd)
Rosa DeLauro (CT-3rd) Note: E-messages from constituents only
Phil Hare (IL-17th)
Mike Honda (CA-15th)
Patrick Kennedy (RI-1st)
Betty McCollum (MN-4th)
Jim Moran (VA-8th) Note: E-messages from constituents only
Todd Platts (PA-19th)

Once you contact your Representative, email us at nslp@aed.org to let us know who you contacted and when.

I know you are extremely busy and this message comes with short notice. But, this is a critical stage of the funding process and we have three days to make a difference. Your voice matters. Speak. Act. Now.

Vote for the 2010 Service-Learning Multimedia Showcase Finalists!

2010-02-28T18:28:00.003-05:00

The National Service-Learning Partnership is proud to announce the FINALISTS for this year's We Are a Solution: Youth Changing the World Through Service-Learning Multimedia Showcase! Now, you have a chance to vote for the winners at http://slsolutionshowcase.blogspot.com. Limit ONE vote per person per category.

Vote by Friday, March 5 @ 5 PM Eastern Time!

FINALISTS
Middle School Division
Seven Springs Middle School (New Port Richey, FL)
Tchefuncte Middle School (Mandeville, LA)

High School Division
Abington High School (Abington, PA)
Clarkstown High School North (New City, NY)
Putnam City West High School (Oklahoma City, OK)

The winner in each division will receive $500 for their school, group, or program!

Snow Day!

2010-02-12T16:39:00.001-05:00

Do your have any plans for President's Day?If you're in the mid-Atlantic, you've been stuck indoors for the last week. What can you do?

You can create and send in your entries for the National Service-Learning Partnership's Multimedia Showcase! There is a $500 prize for each category winner!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: February 16, 2010
Email or overnight entries accepted!
More info: http://bit.ly/1720kD

You now have time to submit your videos from MLK Day events, Learn & Serve Challenge activities, Semester of Service, and other service-learning opportunities at your school or after school organization!

Celebrating Youth Who Dare To Change the World through Service-Learning

With support from the State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation, the National Service-Learning Partnership (NSLP) at the Academy for Educational Development is helping us shine a bold spotlight on the many ways in which we as young people are changing the world.

It is a national service-learning recognition program for youth, by youth. Through the We Are a Solution: Youth Changing the World through Service-Learning Multimedia Showcase, young people can express how they are transforming their communities, their schools, and even their own lives through service-learning. Through this showcase, youth will:

- Tell the world how education becomes more meaningful and school becomes more exciting when they are given the chance to put the skills and information learned in the classroom into action in the world around us.
- Spotlight the many ways in which youth are creating solutions to important community problems.
- Inspire others to bring learning to life by creating more opportunities for young people to learn and take action through service-learning.

Go to: http://bit.ly/1720kD for more information and application forms.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Multimedia Showcase

2010-02-01T14:35:00.003-05:00

National Service-Learning Partnership's Multimedia Showcase
Deadline extended until: February, 2010
More info: http://bit.ly/1720kD

$500 prize for each category winner!

Celebrating Youth Who Dare To Change the World through Service-Learning

With support from the State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation, the National Service-Learning Partnership (NSLP) at the Academy for Educational Development is helping us shine a bold spotlight on the many ways in which we as young people are changing the world.

It is a national service-learning recognition program for youth, by youth. Through the We Are a Solution: Youth Changing the World through Service-Learning Multimedia Showcase, young people can express how they are transforming their communities, their schools, and even their own lives through service-learning. Through this showcase, youth will:

- Tell the world how education becomes more meaningful and school becomes more exciting when they are given the chance to put the skills and information learned in the classroom into action in the world around us.
- Spotlight the many ways in which youth are creating solutions to important community problems.
- Inspire others to bring learning to life by creating more opportunities for young people to learn and take action through service-learning.

Go to: http://bit.ly/1720kD for more information and application forms.

Multimedia Showcase: Prize Money Involved!

2010-01-08T14:13:00.001-05:00

National Service-Learning Partnership's Multimedia Showcase
Due: January 22, 2010
More info: http://bit.ly/1720kD

$500 prize for each category winner!

Celebrating Youth Who Dare To Change the World through Service-Learning

With support from the State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation, the National Service-Learning Partnership (NSLP) at the Academy for Educational Development is helping us shine a bold spotlight on the many ways in which we as young people are changing the world.

It is a national service-learning recognition program for youth, by youth. Through the We Are a Solution: Youth Changing the World through Service-Learning Multimedia Showcase, young people can express how they are transforming their communities, their schools, and even their own lives through service-learning. Through this showcase, youth will:

- Tell the world how education becomes more meaningful and school becomes more exciting when they are given the chance to put the skills and information learned in the classroom into action in the world around us.
- Spotlight the many ways in which youth are creating solutions to important community problems.
- Inspire others to bring learning to life by creating more opportunities for young people to learn and take action through service-learning.

Go to: http://bit.ly/1720kD for more information and application forms.

Deadline Extended: Award for SL Excellence in Teacher Education

2010-01-08T14:09:00.001-05:00

DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL JANUARY 29, 2010

2010 State Farm Companies Foundation Award for Service-Learning Excellence in Teacher Education

Teachers are at the heart of any successful effort to initiate, expand, or sustain service-learning in K-12 schools and communities. Teachers must be inspired and prepared to use service-learning as an instructional strategy in their classrooms.

As an increasing number of undergraduate programs and graduate schools of education begin to actively prepare educators to use service-learning as a pedagogy, we are learning more about effective practice and policies needed to support the implementation of service-learning in teacher education.

The National Service-Learning Partnership is pleased to join with the State Farm Companies Foundation and the International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education (ICSLTE) to honor teacher education programs that make a significant commitment to improving the quality of teaching and learning in preparing teachers and schools leaders to use service-learning as an instructional strategy.

The State Farm Companies Foundation Award for Service-Learning Excellence in Teacher Education acknowledges and honors outstanding teacher education programs that demonstrate significant interest and support for service-learning. This award recognizes exemplary practices, which include, but are not limited to:

The demonstration of service-learning as a pedagogy in preparing teachers
The development of P-12 school/teacher education partnerships that provide student teaching experience with service-learning.
The effective teaching and implementation of K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice. Please see http://www.nylc.org/objects/publications/StandardsDoc.pdf for the official standards.
The use of service-learning experiences with pre-service teachers in p-12 and/or other community settings
The production of data that demonstrate the impact of service-learning on student outcomes
The relationship of service-learning to the Principles of Good Practice for Service-Learning in Preservice Teacher Education.
Please see the Official Award Guidelines for the list of Principles of Good Practice for Service-Learning in Preservice Teacher Education.
Nominations must be received by January 29, 2010. The 2010 honoree will be publicly recognized at the State Farm® Awards Celebration at the 2010 National Service-Learning Conference in San Jose, CA, March 24-27, 2010.

Official Award Guidelines
See Award Application Cover Page

2009 State Farm Award for Service-Learning Excellence in Teacher Education

Reminder: Session 3 of the Gear Up for Service-Learning Success

2009-12-02T11:10:00.001-05:00

This is a reminder that the third session in this series is Thursday, December 3 at 12 PM EST. See below for more information!

National Service-Learning Partnership presents
Gear Up for Service-Learning Success: The National Learn & Serve Challenge

As part of the National Learn & Serve Challenge, the National Service-Learning Partnership and the National Youth Leadership Council invite you to participate in a series of webinars:

1) An Introduction to Service-Learning: The National Standards for High Quality Service-Learning (already finished, archives will be up on the Learn & Serve Challenge site)
2) Understanding the Service-Learning Cycle (already finished, archives will be up on the Learn & Serve Challenge site)
3) The Value of Self- Assessment for Quality and Sustainable Service-Learning

This series is intended to provide an in depth look at how organizations might begin or possibly improve upon existing service-learning programming. Throughout all three of these webinars we will explore how a new and exciting online professional development network known as the Generator School Network (GSN) a for educators working in service-learning can help educators on their journey to improve the quality of their learning practices. While each webinar is intended to build upon the previous, feel free to join any one or all sessions.

1) To join these webinars visit www.readytalk.com on the following dates and times:

Oct. 28th at 11:00 am CST (12:00 pm EST) Intro to Service-Learning

Nov. 12th at 11:00 am CST (12:00 pm EST) The Service-Learning Cycle

Dec. 3rd at 11:00 am CST (12:00 pm EST) Self-Assessment and the GSN Resources

Join us by logging onto www.readytalk.com and typing “8991249” as the access code under “Join a Meeting.” You will be asked to provide your name and e-mail address to register. The audio portion is done through a conference call line; join the audio by dialing 866-740-1260 and using the same participant passcode: 8991249.

We look forward to talking with you further on Wednesday! For any questions or concerns, contact Michael VanKeulen, Director at the National Youth Leadership Council via email or at 651-999-7378.

Hope you will be able to join us!

Remember to Accept the Challenge. Let us know you're committed to engaging youth and college students in service-learning activities this school year. Accept the Challenge here!

*********************************
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:
* American Association of Community Colleges
* American Association of State Colleges and Universities
* America's Promise Alliance
* Campus Compact
* DECA
* 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

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

Gear Up for Service-Learning Success: Serve a Semester, Change the World

2009-12-02T10:15:00.004-05:00

On behalf of the the National Service-Learning Partnership, Youth Service America and the National Education Association, you're invited to attend:

Education Powered by Service:
Serve a Semester, Change the World
Presentation & Reception
Semester of Service
supporting the
National Learn & Serve Challenge.

Where:
National Education Association
Auditorium A
1201 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036

McPherson Square Metro (blue/orange lines) or Farragut North Metro (red line)
Driving Directions

When:
December 08, 2009 at 04:00 PM
-to-
December 08, 2009 at 06:00 PM
Add to my calendar

Please RSVP here by Friday, December 4.

Event Hosts
Youth Service America
Michael Minks
Director of Outreach
mminks@ysa.org
202.296.2992 x125

National Service-Learning Partnership
Christina Kwon
Director of Member Engagement
ckwon@aed.org
202.884.8982

National Education Association
Roberta E. Hantgan
Manager, Public Engagement Project
RHantgan@nea.org
202.822.7721

Join leaders in the education, youth development, and youth service & service-learning fields, who will provide an opportunity to learn about:

- Semester of Service, the National Learn and Serve Challenge, and NEA's commitment to engaged learning through service
- Examples of Semester of Service and National Learn and Serve Challenge projects
- Tools & resources available to school and community-based educators

We live in a world facing critical challenges that require our collective attention and action. Young people - like all people - yearn to be a part of the solution.

Youth Service America's Semester of Service links prominent national service events - such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Global Youth Service Day - through an extended service-learning framework. Young people, ages 5-25, spend the "semester" addressing a meaningful community need connected to intentional learning goals and/or academic standards. Semester of Service emphasizes "Duration and Intensity", providing participants with enough time to incorporate the five stages of service-learning: Investigation, Preparation & Planning, Action, Reflection, and Demonstration/Celebration.

The Semester of Service is one way for educators and students to take part in the National Service-Learning Partnership's National Learn & Serve Challenge, a sustained, focused effort to promote youth civic engagement and service-learning throughout the school year.

The National Education Association is participating as a lead organization in this effort, encouraging teachers in schools across the country to bring learning to life by challenging students to use their skills and knowledge to address problems in their local or global community.

Please RSVP here by Friday, December 4.

Solutions to the Dropout Crisis: Webcast with Cathryn Berger Kaye

2009-11-25T11:57:00.003-05:00

The National Service-Learning Partnership
presents
The Innovation Spotlight Series: Solutions to the Dropout Crisis

Thursday, December 3, 2009, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Service-Learning: A Dropout Prevention Strategy and MORE!
presented by Cathryn Berger Kaye

How does service-learning bring together best teaching strategies to create authentic education, provide meaning and purpose, and motivate youth to be involved?

And why do these elements keep our youth in school and move them from surviving to thriving?

Generate success and build transferable skills that lead to inner confidence all youth need to succeed and to thrive! Keep in mind that service-learning is academic, rigorous, and filled with genuine opportunities for students to apply their ideas, interests, skills, and talents toward the common good—a win-win for all involved. Join this webcast for good stories, practical ideas, and resources you can use!

Supplementary materials and all necessary information about participating fully in this professional development opportunity are found on our Web site. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the National Dropout Prevention Center via email or at 864-656-2580.

Participation in this radio webcast is free and no registration is required. The program will be archived in its entirety on the Web site. On the day of the webcast, sign on early to ensure your connection. Link to the broadcast here. If technical support is needed, you may call 864-656-4550 for assistance at that time.

This Webcast is produced with support from Penn Foster and co-sponsored by the National Service-Learning Partnership.

Reminder: Session 2 of the Gear Up for Service-Learning Success Series

2009-11-10T15:47:00.003-05:00

This is a reminder that the second session in this series is Thursday, November 12 at 12 PM EST. See below for more information!

National Service-Learning Partnership presents
Gear Up for Service-Learning Success: The National Learn & Serve Challenge

As part of the National Learn & Serve Challenge, the National Service-Learning Partnership and the National Youth Leadership Council invite you to participate in a series of webinars:

1) An Introduction to Service-Learning: The National Standards for High Quality Service-Learning (already finished, archives will be up on the Learn & Serve Challenge site)
2) Understanding the Service-Learning Cycle
3) The Value of Self- Assessment for Quality and Sustainable Service-Learning

This series is intended to provide an in depth look at how organizations might begin or possibly improve upon existing service-learning programming. Throughout all three of these webinars we will explore how a new and exciting online professional development network known as the Generator School Network (GSN) a for educators working in service-learning can help educators on their journey to improve the quality of their learning practices. While each webinar is intended to build upon the previous, feel free to join any one or all sessions.

1) To join these webinars visit www.readytalk.com on the following dates and times:

Oct. 28th at 11:00 am CST (12:00 pm EST) Intro to Service-Learning

Nov. 12th at 11:00 am CST (12:00 pm EST) The Service-Learning Cycle

Dec. 3rd at 11:00 am CST (12:00 pm EST) Self-Assessment and the GSN Resources

Join us by logging onto www.readytalk.com and typing “8991249” as the access code under “Join a Meeting.” You will be asked to provide your name and e-mail address to register. The audio portion is done through a conference call line; join the audio by dialing 866-740-1260 and using the same participant passcode: 8991249.

We look forward to talking with you further on Wednesday! For any questions or concerns, contact Michael VanKeulen, Director at the National Youth Leadership Council via email or at 651-999-7378.

Hope you will be able to join us!

Remember to Accept the Challenge. Let us know you're committed to engaging youth and college students in service-learning activities this school year. Accept the Challenge here!

*********************************
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:
* American Association of Community Colleges
* American Association of State Colleges and Universities
* America's Promise Alliance
* Campus Compact
* DECA
* 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

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

Funding Opportunity for Learn & Serve Challenge Participants

2009-11-10T14:54:00.000-05:00

State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants (Deadline Extended: November 13)

Youth Service America is currently accepting applications for State Farm® Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants to support service-learning projects that culminate on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25, 2010.

School and community educators across the United States and Canada can apply for up to $1,000 in funding for youth-led projects.

Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy integrating meaningful community service with academic study and reflective practice to enrich learning, build civic engagement, and strengthen communities.

State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning grant applicants are encouraged to develop projects that launch on Martin Luther King Day of Service, January 18, 2010, and culminate on the weekend of GYSD, April 23-25, 2010.

The extended deadline is midnight ET Friday, November 13.

To begin the application process, complete the Eligibility Quiz.

More Info on the Learn & Serve Challenge

2009-11-05T22:13:00.001-05:00

The National Learn & Serve Challenge kick off week has come and gone. Much happened during the week of October 5-12, and much more is to come. Please visit our website to see more information. Register your Challenge communities here and visit our newly revamped toolkit for resources, trainings, and other tips. Remember, this is different from the Challenge Kick Off Week! If you have any questions please contact us at 202-884-8982.

As for the Kick Off Week, we were able to secure a House Resolution and a Senate Resolution in support of the Challenge Kick Off.

We received several proclamations supporting the Challenge Kick Off.
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and State Board of Education
Others will be posted on the Challenge website.

Here are some of the news items from around the country for the Kick Off:
Miss Oklahoma (Ada, OK)
Stanford University - video (Stanford, CA)
The After School Corporation (New York, NY)
University of Louisiana at Monroe (Monroe, LA)
University of Texas at San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)

Gear Up for Giving with the Case Foundation

2009-11-05T21:52:00.002-05:00

America’s Giving Challenge has raised the stakes with an additional $75,000 in awards! There are still 1 day left to win $50,000 for your cause!

America’s Giving Challenge has just raised the stakes! Thanks to a generous $75,000 grant from the W.K Kellogg Foundation, five additional overall awards and seven daily awards are being added to the Challenge which means more prizes for more nonprofits!

There are still 1 day left in the Giving Challenge and you can help win daily awards for your favorite cause everyday up to $1,500 and over $50,000 overall! Join the Challenge now to support the cause you care most about!

Take the Challenge. Change the world. Visit the website to get started now!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Allyson Burns, The Case Foundation, (202) 467-2059
Mike VanBuren, W.K. Kellogg Foundation (269) 969-2148

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant to America’s Giving Challenge Significantly Increases Number of Overall and Daily Awards Offered to Nonprofit Causes

Challenge Has Already Raised $1.1 million from More Than 50K Donations in Three Weeks;

Runs through November 6

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 30, 2009) – America’s Giving Challenge, a 30-day, national online competition that encourages people to leverage their social networks to recruit supporters and win cash awards for nonprofit organizations, today announced that it has received a $75,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan to help mobilize participation in the last week of the Challenge.

The grant increases the total amount of award dollars in the Challenge to $245,000 for nonprofit causes that net the highest number of donations. America’s Giving Challenge, presented by the Case Foundation, Causes and PARADE Publications, launched on October 7, 2009. To date more than 50,000 donations have raised $1.1 million for nonprofit causes.

“America’s Giving Challenge offers a tremendous opportunity to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations at a time when the communities we care about, including children and families, have never been in greater need of their services,” said Anne Mosle, vice president for programs at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “We hope that collaborating with our colleagues in these efforts will not only encourage more innovation by all the participants in their fundraising efforts, but ultimately spark a larger movement of nonprofits leveraging technology to reach new audiences and inspire civic action.”

The $75,000 contribution from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will enable the creation of five additional overall awards, including one $25,000 and four $10,000 prizes for the causes that garner the most unique daily donations over the 30 days of the Challenge. In addition, a $1,500 daily prize will be added for the last seven days of the Challenge beginning at 3 p.m. ET today. With the additional contribution, America’s Giving Challenge now offers 12 overall awards: one $50,000 prize, two $25,000 prizes and nine $10,000 prizes, and three daily awards of $1,500, $1,000 and $500.

Individuals and nonprofits can still get involved in America’s Giving Challenge. From now until November 6 at 3 p.m. ET, participants can compete for daily and overall awards – ranging from $500 to $50,000 – based on the number of donations to their cause using the Causes application on Facebook. Those who wish to participate in the Challenge can get involved in one of two ways:

* Champion a cause – Individuals can become “cause champions,” who are passionate about a specific cause and will compete to obtain the most donations for their cause through the Causes application on Facebook.
* Promote, donate or join a cause – all individuals are encouraged to take part in America’s Giving Challenge by joining, promoting and donating to the causes they care about. Facebook membership is not required to donate to a Giving Challenge cause.

Participants can register to compete in the Giving Challenge, view details and donate to a cause they care about at www.americasgivingchallenge.com.

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Established in 1930, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin American and the Caribbean, and southern Africa.

About the Presenting Partners:

The Case Foundation
The Case Foundation, created by Steve and Jean Case in 1997, invests in people and ideas that can change the world. The Foundation champions initiatives that connect people, increase giving, and catalyze civic action. For more information, visit www.casefoundation.org.

Causes
Causes empowers anyone with a good idea or passion for change to impact the world. Using our platform, individuals mobilize their network of friends to grow lasting social and political movements. To date, over 85 million Facebook users have installed the application and created and joined more than 300,000 grassroots causes that benefit more than 60,000 nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit the Causes Application and Causes Exchange.

PARADE
PARADE, the most widely read magazine in America, is distributed in more than 500 of the nation’s top newspapers. The magazine, which launched in 1941, now has a circulation of 32 million and a readership of 73 million. Each Sunday in PARADE and every day at Parade.com, our mission is to entertain, inspire and inform Americans about the issues they care most about and move them to action. For more information, visit www.parade.com.

Full Time Job in Service-Learning!

2009-11-05T21:36:00.002-05:00

Help run programs that teach young people about leadership, citizenship, and social justice! Work behind the scenes at an innovative nonprofit organization! Northwestern University's Civic Education Project is now hiring a full time Assistant Coordinator!

About CEP:
The Civic Education Project (CEP), at Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, is an award-winning leadership and citizenship program for outstanding high school and junior high school students. CEP combines traditional education and community service to promote civic responsibility among young people. Through innovative school year programs and summer courses, CEP offers promising young people opportunities to learn and serve in communities across the country, developing the knowledge, experience, and leadership skills they need to make a positive impact on society.

Assistant Coordinator Position:
The Assistant Coordinator is responsible for supporting the administration of CEP's school-year and summer service-learning programs, with significant responsibility for day-to-day operations. Specific responsibilities include: designing programs and curricula; organizing service projects, community experiences, and speakers; overseeing student recruitment and outreach to families and educators; recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising temporary program staff; and working in on-site administrative roles at sites throughout the country during spring and summer program seasons.

To learn more about CEP, visit here.

About the Assistant Coordinator position, including a complete job description, qualifications, and salary range, visit here.

Apply here.
Click on Adademic/Administrative Jobs
Click on Advanced Search
Search for Job Opening ID 15202
Click on Apply Now

You will need to register for Northwestern University’s eRecruit system.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and references in your application.

Apply Now!

**************
Please feel free to re-post this job announcement!

Webinar: Keep Kids in School & Prepare Them for Professions

2009-11-05T21:17:00.004-05:00

America's Promise Alliance Presents a Free Webinar & Online Discussion:
Keeping Kids in School & Preparing Them for Professions:

How Schools & Non-Profits Can Partner Effectively with Business

Monday November 23, 2009
3:00 - 4:00 pm EST

Please RSVP by Thursday, November 19th to Elaine Leibsohn. Call-in and login instructions will be provided in advance to those who RSVP.

Please join us as we review and discuss a pre-recorded video presentation from the National Middle School Association Conference, held on November 6, 2009, entitled "How to Engage Business."

Moderator:
Elaine Leibsohn, VP of National Action Strategies, America's Promise Alliance

Presenters(on video and live during webinar:
Kathy Payne, Senior Director of Education Leadership, State Farm Insurance
Sue Stephenson, Vice President, Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
Steve Culbertson, President & CEO, Youth Serve America

Nearly one in three high school students fails to graduate each year. As part of our strategy to cut the dropout rate in half, America's Promise Alliance is helping young people see the relevance of their coursework to their later lives. By offering real-world experiences, career exploration increases young people's motivation to achieve in their schools, communities, and--eventually--their professional environments. Schools, businesses, and youth-serving organizations are all part of the team. Although these organizations often speak different languages and have different cultures, they each can participate in preparing the next generation of citizens for employment.

In this video webinar and discussion, schools, community-based organizations, and others will learn how to identify an appropriate business partner, establish a shared vision, share resources, and link education to employment to ensure everybody wins. Participants will also learn about a new partnership resource from America's Promise, scheduled to be released in December. Webinar attendees will be encouraged to participate in a live discussion with the presenters around engaging businesses in community youth work.

Learning Opportunity for the National Learn & Serve Challenge!

2009-10-26T13:30:00.003-04:00

National Service-Learning Partnership presents
Gear Up for Service-Learning Success: The National Learn & Serve Challenge

As part of the National Learn & Serve Challenge, the National Service-Learning Partnership and the National Youth Leadership Council invite you to participate in a series of webinars:

1) An Introduction to Service-Learning: The National Standards for High Quality Service-Learning
2) Understanding the Service-Learning Cycle
3) The Value of Self- Assessment for Quality and Sustainable Service-Learning

This series is intended to provide an in depth look at how organizations might begin or possibly improve upon existing service-learning programming. Throughout all three of these webinars we will explore how a new and exciting online professional development network known as the Generator School Network (GSN) a for educators working in service-learning can help educators on their journey to improve the quality of their learning practices. While each webinar is intended to build upon the previous, feel free to join any one or all sessions.

1) To join these webinars visit www.readytalk.com on the following dates and times:

Oct. 28th at 11:00 am CST Intro to Service-Learning

Nov. 12th at 11:00 am CST The Service-Learning Cycle

Dec. 3rd at 11:00 am CST Self-Assessment and the GSN Resources

Join us by logging onto www.readytalk.com and typing “8991249” as the access code under “Join a Meeting.” You will be asked to provide your name and e-mail address to register. The audio portion is done through a conference call line; join the audio by dialing 866-740-1260 and using the same participant passcode: 8991249.

We look forward to talking with you further on Wednesday! For any questions or concerns, contact Michael VanKeulen, Director at the National Youth Leadership Council via email or at 651-999-7378.

Hope you will be able to join us!

Remember to Accept the Challenge. Let us know you're committed to engaging youth and college students in service-learning activities this school year. Accept the Challenge here!

*********************************
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:
* American Association of Community Colleges
* American Association of State Colleges and Universities
* America's Promise Alliance
* Campus Compact
* DECA
* 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

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

Learn & Serve Challenge Kick Off from Atlanta, GA

2009-10-14T14:39:00.002-04:00

President Obama to Martin Luther King Jr: Atlanta heeds the call to serve
Submitted by: Djuan Coleon, Show Me the Way Foundation

On Oct. 5, 2009 at Martin Luther King Jr High School in Lithonia, GA (a suburb of Atlanta) we gathered to energized and engage the youth about Service Learning. I chair the Show Me the Way Foundation (SMTWF) and we have partnered with the National Alliance of Faith and Justice (NAFJ) to roll out their service learning program called “Pen or Pencil”.

In a nutshell the program stresses the reality of the two buses that travel to two different destinations each day. One bus goes to the PEN (penitentiary) the other bus goes to the PENCIL (school/education). The youth have a choice to decide which bus they want to get on. President Obama has been stressing education and the need for America to step up the academic standards of not only our schools but the students themselves must strive to lead the world, and we can’t do it by dropping out.

The 2009 Pen or Pencil/SNCC High School Tour Presented by SMTWF, is a 20 school tour throughout the metro area of Atlanta, GA focused on the challenge of the alarming rates of teen violence in metro-Atlanta communities and the staggering number of high school dropouts. Tashawnya Menefee, President of SMTWF, has evolved the focus of the organization (HIV/AIDS and youth mentoring) in 2009-10, due to the statistics facing our youth to now push service learning to actively engage the issues in the community. The Tour is scheduled to run through 2010, tackling head-on the question “What can the youth do to HEAL THE HOOD”. One of the major issues in Atlanta and in many metropolitan areas across the country is the lack of funding for after school programs and extra curricula activities. Teen agers have a lot of bottled up enthusiasm and creativity that is not being channeled in a positive manner.

- 82.6% of incoming freshman report frequent or occasional volunteer work, compared to 81% last year, and a low of 66% in 1989. Contributing in part to this rise is the requirement of community service for graduation from many high schools, which has increased from 23.2% to 28.2% since the item was first asked in 1998. (UCLA/Higher Education Research Institute Annual Freshmen Survey, 2001)
- 72% of young adults say they have donated money, clothes, or food to a community or church organization in the past couple of years. (Center for Democracy & Citizenship, 2002)
- 59.3% (13.3 million teenagers ages 12-17) volunteer, versus 49% of the adult population over the same time period. Teens say they volunteer an average of 3.5 hours per week versus the adult average of 4.2 hours. (Independent Sector/Gallup, 1996)

Statistics show that the youth are already energized and invigorated and if given the opportunities and the tools they are more than willing to answer the clarion call by our President and “be the change they want to see”.

I will be honest I did not know what to expect when we launched the tour on Oct. 5th 2009, I was wondering how would we connect with the youth with what we had. In the last few months Atlanta has seen a rash of murders of high profile people and college students to senseless violence. The community is on edge and everyone is pointing fingers but now is the time for solutions.

The PEN and PENCIL program’s methodology is from SNCC (Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee), this iconic grassroots civil rights organization from the 1960’s was a true youth movement for change and a blueprint for constructive organizing. We hoped to take the organizing strategies, wisdom and passion from the youth over 55 of that era and pass those ideals down to the young people under 25 of today.

We had Constance Curry the first white woman on the executive board for the organization (SNCC), to come in and speak from her experiences. She explained how the youth of that time were the catalyst for the march on Washington, D.C. they were the backbone of the Civil Rights movement.

It was when President Kennedy saw the youth taking a stand in Birmingham, AL he decided to end segregation. The youth in the auditorium were riveted as one speaker and presentation after another reinforced the fact that they have the power to change their world and in turn even get the attention of a sitting president.

The Pen or Pencil program has a list of specific projects that the youth can sign up for and implement in their local community. When we commit to work together and partner with our young people we will see results. Once the rally was over, we had almost half of the youth in the auditorium sign up to enroll in the PEN or PENCIL program, I might have been surprised by their enthusiasm for service but history certainly was not.

U.S. Congress Expresses Support for Service-Learning and the Learn & Serve Challenge

2009-10-09T12:06:00.007-04:00

Your efforts to raise awareness and build public support for service-learning are working.

Service-learning and the Learn & Serve Challenge were featured on Yahoo News and are also currently featured on the front page of the White House service website.

But it doesn't stop there.
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 769 in support of the National Learn & Serve Challenge. The resolution publicly recognizes the benefits of service-learning in helping youth become stronger students in the classroom and more engaged citizens in the community. The resolution was introduced by Representative Todd Platts (R-PA) and cosponsored by Representatives Matsui (D-CA), Kennedy (D-RI), Ehlers (R-MI), and Price (D-NC).

You can view H.Res 769 here.
You can view the news release from Rep. Platts here.

Now, it's the U.S. Senate's turn.
On Wednesday, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 46. Sen. Murray was joined by Senators Bayh (D-IN), Cochran (R-MS), Collins (R-ME), Dodd (D-CT), Feingold (D-WI), Gillibrand (D-NY), and Mikulski (D-MD).

You can view S.Con.Res 46 here.

If your Senator is not a current co-sponsor of the Senate resolution in support of service-learning and the National Learn & Serve Challenge, share your service-learning success story and ask her or him to co-sponsor Senate Concurrent Resolution 46. You can reach these members by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

How To Reach Your Senators
1. Call the Capitol Hill switchboard (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your senator.
2. Once connected, ask to talk with the member's staff responsible education or national service issues.
3. Share with that staff member why your senator should support service-learning.
4. Encourage your senator to co-sponsor Senate Concurrent Resolution 46, which recognizes the benefits of service-learning and the Learn and Serve America program.
If interested in co-sponsoring the resolution, the staff member can contact Sarah Bolton in Sen. Murray's office at (202)224-2621 or via email.

As we wrap-up the kick-off week of the 2009-2010 National Learn & Serve Challenge, it is so important to let Congress know that service-learning works and we care. Contact NSLP Policy Director, Ace Parsi if you have questions or need more information.

Finally, remember to Accept the Challenge. Let us know you're committed to engaging youth and college students in service-learning activities this school year. Accept the Challenge here!

*********************************
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:
* American Association of Community Colleges
* American Association of State Colleges and Universities
* America's Promise Alliance
* Campus Compact
* DECA
* 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

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

News from Around the Challenge

2009-10-08T15:50:00.002-04:00

The National Learn & Serve Challenge Kick off is in full swing!

If anyone is participating in the Learn & Serve Challenge to raise awareness of service-learning? Give a shout out! #lschallenge.

Also, please send your news stories, pictures and the like to us.

We started the week with rousing support from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Thanks to CNCS, a supporter of the Challenge since 2007!

Several other state commissions have dedicated pages on their websites to the National Learn & Serve Challenge. Please visit Maryland and Michigan for more ideas. Kudos to these states for their excellent work! (If your state already has something set up, please send a link to us to feature on this blog!)

We also have to give a shout out to a local DC event for the Challenge. George Washington University kicks off the Challenge on Saturday, October 10th in the Marvin Center room 404 from 2:30-4pm. Attend to learn how you and other members of the GW community can collaborate to combat poverty in DC.

Important Policy Update From NSLP's Policy Director!

2009-10-07T22:41:00.002-04:00

Dear Service-Learning Advocates:

My name is Ace and I’m the Policy Director for NSLP. First, thank you so much for our support of service-learning and our organization. I write you because we need your help in nurturing key relationships in Congress. These relationships are very important as we promote policies that give more youth in this country meaningful opportunities to engage in service-learning.

Recently, the House of Representatives passed a resolution that recognized the benefits of service-learning in helping youth become stronger students in the classroom and more engaged citizens in the community. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA) and cosponsored by Reps. Matsui (D-CA), Kennedy (D-RI), Ehlers (R-MI), and Price (D-NC). Shortly, after this resolution passed through the US House, the Senate introduced its own resolution under the leadership of Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). The initial co-sponsors of this resolution are Sens. Bayh (D-IN), Cochran (R-MS), Collins (R-ME), Dodd (D-CT), Feingold (D-WI), Gillibrand (D-NY), and Mikulski (D-MD). If you are represented by one of these members of the House or Senate (especially Rep. Platts and Sen. Murray), please call them, thank them for their support, and encourage them to continue to promote service-learning as they craft the nation’s education policy. If you know of other advocates for service-learning represented by these members, please let them know as well. If your Senator is not a current co-sponsor of this resolution, this might be a great opportunity to call them, share your stories, and ask them to co-sponsor. You can reach these members by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. It's a critical time for service-learning and it is so important to let Congress know that service-learning works and we care. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you again for your support and for working with us to redefine education in the 21st century.

In service,

Ace

--
Ace Parsi
Policy Director
National Service-Learning Partnership

National Education Association Joins the Challenge!

2009-10-07T16:32:00.002-04:00

The National Education Association encourages 3.2 million teachers to accept the National Learn & Serve Challenge

This week, the National Education Association (NEA) encouraged its members to engage students in service-learning activities to support classroom instruction. The NEA is the nation's largest professional organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. You can learn more about the NEA here.

An article in support of the National Learn & Serve Challenge appears on the front page of NEA Today, the online version of NEA's flagship publication. You can view the article here.

In addition to the article and a statement sent to its 3.2 million members, NEA President Dennis Van Roekel appears in a video message, titled "Applying Knowledge through Service." You can view the video on NEA's website.

You can also view President Van Roekel's message on the front page of the Learn & Serve Challenge website.

"We are thrilled and honored that the NEA has joined this growing national effort to increase service-learning in our nation's schools," said National Service-Learning Partnership Executive Director Nelda Brown. "We share NEA's belief that every young person in America deserves a quality education. We look forward to bringing the service-learning message to even more teachers and more classrooms through this exciting collaboration to support the Learn & Serve Challenge."

Here are a few easy ways you can use this message to spread the word about service-learning in your school or local community:

1. Share the link to the NEA Today article with colleagues.
2. Show NEA's video message "Applying Knowledge through Service" at your next faculty meeting.
3. Visit NEA Today on Facebook to thank them for the cover story and to urge them to write more stories about the power and potential of service-learning in future issues.
4. Accept the Challenge. Let us know you're committed to engaging youth and college students in service-learning activities this school year.

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:

American Association of Community Colleges
American Association of State Colleges and Universities
America's Promise Alliance
Campus Compact
DECA
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

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

Let the Learn & Serve Challenge Begin!

2009-10-06T14:26:00.002-04:00

Dear service-learning supporters and fans,

Let the 2009-2010 National Learn & Serve Challenge begin!

This week, more than 71,000 young people, educators, community partners, civic leaders, and business partners will participate in activities to build awareness and public support for service-learning through the National Learn & Serve Challenge.

For two years, the National Learn & Serve Challenge was an opportunity to dedicate one week each year to promote and spotlight service-learning success stories around the country. This was made possible with support from the State Farm® Companies Foundation. Today, we are pleased to announce that the National Learn & Serve Challenge is now a nine-month initiative designed to increase service-learning in our nation's schools and communities.

This week, we continue to celebrate and spotlight service-learning in schools and communities nationwide. Check out the Challenge map to locate kick-off week events and activities in your state or local communities.

In addition, we will also kick off a national call to action that builds on President Obama's national call to service by challenging schools, college campuses, faith-based partners and youth-serving organizations to commit to engaging young people in service-learning this school year.

Through the Challenge, young people--from elementary to college age--will help rebuild and renew their local or global community by using the content knowledge and skills learned in the classroom or a community-based program to create and implement innovative solutions to problems within five priority areas:

* Community renewal, including responding to the economic crisis
* Education, including literacy and keeping kids in school
* Energy and the environment
* Health and nutrition
* Safety and security

Join this national grassroots effort to create more opportunities for young people to learn and serve.

Accept the Challenge. Let us know you are ready to engage young people in service-learning in your classroom, youth group, club, school, campus, faith-based or community organization. Invite your friends and colleagues to do the same.

Once you've accepted the Challenge, gear up for service-learning success. Access free online resources, lesson plans, planning tools and virtual professional development opportunities. Join us on Facebook to learn from and connect to others.

Click here for an overview of new National Learn & Serve Challenge, how it works and how you can get involved.

Accept the Challenge today.

It's not too late to do something this week to spread the word about service-learning in your school or community. Access the Challenge Kick-Off Week Toolkit for quick ideas and easy-to-implement activities you can use to promote service-learning this week.

Over the next several days, we'll continue to share updates and service-learning news stories from around the country as well as opinions and commentary from field leaders and voices from the field. Visit our Online Newsroom for the latest news and information.

Thank you for all you do to advance service-learning. Stay tuned for more information.

Nelda

Nelda Brown, Partnership Executive Director

The Learn & Serve Challenge is a signature event of the National Service-Learning Partnership at the Academy for Educational Development and made possible with support from the State Farm® Companies Foundation. The Challenge is supported by more than 100 local, state and national organizations. Click here for a complete list.

Kick Off Day 1: National Learn & Serve Challenge

2009-10-05T16:33:00.000-04:00

Today is the start of the third annual National Learn & Serve Challenge! We have news stories rolling in - please make sure that you send your stories to us at nslp@aed.org!

If you have not done so, make sure to register your Kick Off events here. We want to be able to capture all of the great things you all are doing out there!

Also, if your organization/school has not done so, be sure to join the Proud Partners list! You can do so here.

Click here to watch the President of National Education Association, Dennis Van Roekel, Accept the Challenge!

Be sure to tune in here for more exciting news during the Challenge Kick Off Week!

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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.

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, DECA, 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.

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

2009-09-22T11:07:00.007-04:00

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

******************************************************
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.

Gear up for Giving with the Case Foundation!

2009-09-14T10:49:00.001-04:00

Calling all nonprofits! NSLP invites you to Gear Up for Giving!

New to Twitter? Want to start a Cause on Facebook but not sure where to begin?

We know how daunting social media tools can be. That's why we're pleased to announce "Gear Up for Giving," a month-long series of social media tutorials for nonprofits, presented by the Case Foundation.

The training and resources, including live Q&A sessions with "Giving Gurus," online tools and other tips and tricks, are free and available to any nonprofit or individual.

Learn how to use social media to galvanize your network, raise awareness for your cause, and increase donations. Check out the schedule now and mark your calendar for the upcoming sessions!

The live online training sessions start September 10th and run until October 1st. Don't miss out!

Visit the Case Foundation for more information.

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-11T16:58:00.006-04:00

Today is a day to remember and serve. Since others are doing a much better job at capturing what is happening today, I will simply post the links today:

Wisconsin Radio Network, September 11, 2009
WNCT, September 11, 2009
The Daily Orange, September 10, 2009
Greenville Sun, September 10, 2009
Business Wire, September 9, 2009
PNN Online, September 9, 2009
Point Pleasant Register, September 9, 2009
IT News Online, September 8, 2009
Press Connects, September 8, 2009
AJAX World Magazine, September 8, 2009

National Conference on Citizenship: 09/09/09

2009-09-10T15:13:00.012-04:00

For those of you who are superstitious, I hope that yesterday brought you good luck! I was fortunate enough to attend the National Conference on Citizenship yesterday. It warmed my heart to see so much social media being utilized. People blogged during the conference and tweeted at #NCoC. Sadly, I am behind the times with my phone, so I was unable to participate in the Twitter-fest.

Just a few observations about the day:
Former Senator Harris Wofford gave a tribute to the late Senator Edward Kennedy. Even though I really wanted to see Chris Matthews speak, former Senator Wofford did an admirable job - given the fact that he had very little notice.

In the Social Innovation in Civic Life panel, it was good to see the inclusion of fellow millennials like Barbara Bush and Justin Rockefeller, but I want to know if it is more difficult for those who do not have the same upbringing and connections to pursue their dreams and goals in civic life. As a side note, just a quick shout out to panelist Sonal Shah (the head of the White House Domestic Policy Council's Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation) - a fellow University of Chicago grad, who is doing great things in the Civic Engagement field!

Civic Health in Hard Times panel highlighted the Civic Health Index, which was much bleaker than the Volunteering in America report. More on this later. The highlight was former Senator Bob Graham explaining a great project. As I sat there, I realized that he was describing (good) service-learning without naming it! Yes!!

Conversation with Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was extremely interesting, not just because of his association with the University of Chicago (professor)! He said that all citizens should read the following the Constituation, the Federalist Papers, and de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. I will be posting parts of the conversation on our YouTube channel.

Naturalization Ceremony was incredibly moving, partially due to the fact that I was unable to attend my father's naturalization ceremony last summer. More pictures will be posted on the Partnership's facebook page.

Free Training: Community-Based Service-Learning - Sept 21 @ 2 PM Eastern Time

2009-09-10T14:35:00.005-04:00

National Service-Learning Partnership and Youth Service California invite you all to participate in the Innovation Spotlight Series for Community-Based Service-Learning. This series focuses on the value and utility of service-learning in community organizations and faith-based groups who want to engage youth more effectively through service. This is an entirely free, online series running through September and will remain available online into the future. Here's how to engage in this series:

1) Visit NSLP Connections and join the Affinity Group for Community-Based Service-Learning. Create a profile to join this online community.

2) At the Affinity Group, you will see links to two YouTube videos to start the series:
Community-Based Service-Learning and Youth Development
and
Faith-Based Service-Learning

It is highly recommended to watch the Community-Based video first and then the Faith-Based video as the Faith-Based video builds on the first.

3) After you have watched these, please view the PowerPoint presentations, which you can download, use, and share with your colleagues--they can be found in the Documents section of the Affinity Group main page.

4) After watching the videos and PowerPoints (or whenever you feel moved), please take part in the discussions happening at the Affinity Group main page and at Youth Service California™s Blog. Questions will be posted periodically and feel free to pose your own!

5) Finally, as a capstone to the Innovation Series, we will host a Webinar on Sept. 21, 2009 at 2 PM Eastern Time, during which we will discuss the issues brought forth during the month and consider visions for the future. To participate on this day, follow these steps on Sept. 21st:
1. Go here.
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: spotlight
4. Click "Join".

In addition, Youth Service California will archive all this information at its website.

For any questions or concerns, emailemail or call (510-302-0553) Brian Seilstad.

Enter Your School in the 2010 State Farm Companies Foundation Award for Service Learning Excellence in Teacher Education

2009-09-08T12:07:00.001-04:00

Deadline: December 15, 2009

Teachers are at the heart of any successful effort to initiate, expand, or sustain service-learning in K-12 schools and communities. Teachers must be inspired and prepared to use service-learning as an instructional strategy in their classrooms.

As an increasing number of undergraduate programs and graduate schools of education begin to actively prepare educators to use service-learning as a pedagogy, we are learning more about effective practice and policies needed to support the implementation of service-learning in teacher education.

The National Service-Learning Partnership is pleased to join with the State Farm Companies Foundation and the International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education (ICSLTE) to honor teacher education programs that make a significant commitment to improving the quality of teaching and learning in preparing teachers and schools leaders to use service-learning as an instructional strategy.

The State Farm Companies Foundation Award for Service-Learning Excellence in Teacher Education acknowledges and honors outstanding teacher education programs that demonstrate significant interest and support for service-learning. This award recognizes exemplary practices, which include, but are not limited to:

- The demonstration of service-learning as a pedagogy in preparing teachers
- The development of P-12 school/teacher education partnerships that provide student teaching experience with service-learning.
- The effective teaching and implementation of K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice. Please see here for the official standards.
- The use of service-learning experiences with pre-service teachers in p-12 and/or other community settings
- The production of data that demonstrate the impact of service-learning on student outcomes
- The relationship of service-learning to the Principles of Good Practice for Service-Learning in Preservice Teacher Education.

News Roundup: September 2, 2009

2009-09-02T10:55:00.010-04:00

It is relatively quiet on the home front as we prepare for National Day of Service and Remembrance and the National Learn & Serve Challenge Kick Off week, but there is an undercurrent of excitement as we quickly approach these days.

Before I go into the selected news from the past week, I will quickly address some comments that have been posted to this blog. I understand that people are up in arms about anything related to service. Yes, you technically have the freedom of speech to call President Obama a socialist and/or communist. However, this sort of "speech" only further divides people and addresses no issues. Let's get a two things straight. First, socialism and communism are NOT the same thing. Secondly, we are a SERVICE-LEARNING blog! In this field, we are dedicated to service and public good. If we are offending you, then please, do not read this blog.

For those who are still interested in service-learning news:

Washington Post, August 30, 2009 - We are realizing more often that the faith based community has a huge influence on their constituents - especially with volunteerism. It's great to see United We Serve tackling this with Interfaith Service Week!

The Chronicle of Philanthropy, August 27, 2009 - This is great news! More people need to get involved in the National Day of Service and Remembrance - please see MyGoodDeed for more information.

Western News, August 27, 2009 - This group is not based in the United States, but it's still great to see more news about universities taking service and civic engagement seriously.

Michigan State University News, August 26, 2009 - The University will host service activities during this academic year and emphasized the importance of civic responsibility to their incoming freshmen. Kudos to all of the colleges and universities embracing service!

The Kennedy Edition (November 7, 1962 – August 25, 2009)

2009-09-02T10:54:00.010-04:00

August 25, 2009 was an extremely sad day for the service field (in my opinion, for the world as well), as we lost one of our most vocal and supportive champions. Senator Edward M. Kennedy will be greatly missed, and we can honor his memory by moving forward with the work. The below articles will show that, with all of his faults aside, he was beloved, respected, admired, and that his work will carry on.

USA Today, August 29, 2009 - This profiles several of Senator Kennedy's former staffers who followed him into public service.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy, August 27, 2009 - Shirley Sagawa, who the Partnership loves, writes about Senator Kennedy's legacy and her own interactions with him.

ServiceNation, August 27, 2009 - Be The Change, Inc. CEO Alan Khazei's statement.

The Examiner, August 27, 2009 - Liz Barrett's tribute to Senator Kennedy.

Wausau Daily Herald, August 27, 2009 - Tribute to Senator Kennedy.

Corporation for National and Community Service, August 26, 2009 - CNCS Board Chair Alan Solomont's Official Statement.

Youth Today, August 26, 2009 - Senator Kennedy's legislative legacy.

Huffington Post, August 26, 2009 - A touching article about how Senator Kennedy inspired Deborah Weinstein.

The Examiner, August 26, 2009 - Senator Kennedy and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

StandardNet, August 26, 2009 - Interesting article about Senator Hatch and his opinion on the health care reform bill and the impact of losing Senator Kennedy.

The Chronicle of Higher Education, August 26, 2009 - Remembering the impact of Senator Kennedy on the higher education world.

News Roundup: August 26, 2009

2009-08-26T08:33:00.001-04:00

This news roundup is mostly about stories before this morning, as I fully expect many of the newest stories coming out to be focused on Ted Kennedy, one of our field's greatest supporters. With his passing, we need to keep in mind that the best way to celebrate his life is to continue advocating for our field and work. The next posting will be focused on Ted Kennedy, but for now I am posting news from the previous few days.

Kingwood Now, August 26, 2009 - "Learning and Serving in the Philippines," won the silver Award of Distinction from the International Academy of the Visual Arts at the 2009 Communicator Awards in New York City. Read more about the project and the video here.

The Tennessean, August 25, 2009 - Nashville Global Academy opens this fall, with an emphasis on service learning, international curriculum, civic engagement. Read more about it here.

Media News Wire, August 25, 2009 - It's great to see programs like Michigan State University be recognized for their work. See this article for more information about Michigan State University in the 2010 US News & World Report rankings.

Battle Creek Enquirer, August 24, 2009 - A piece on HandsOn Battle Creek!

Cumberland Times-News, August 24, 2009 - Service-learning is expanding to many school systems. Read about Bishop Walsh in Maryland.

The Daily News, August 24, 2009 - Service-learning is becoming increasingly important at Genesee Community College. See here for more information.

The Ledger, August 21, 2009 - This article includes a good story about service-learning development with a Florida Southern College professor.

President Obama to Deliver Nationally Broadcast Address to Students Sept. 8

2009-08-21T16:23:00.001-04:00

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Communications & Outreach, Press Office
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202

MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT DATE:
1 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009
Contact: Sandra Abrevaya
(202) 401-1576 or sandra.abrevaya@ed.gov

PRESIDENT OBAMA TO DELIVER NATIONALLY BROADCAST ADDRESS TO STUDENTS ON SEPT. 8

The President will deliver a speech about the importance of persisting and succeeding in school on Sept. 8, the first day of school for many children across America. The Department of Education is encouraging educators, students and parents to use this opportunity to help students get focused and begin the school year strong. The speech will be broadcast live on www.whitehouse.gov at 1 p.m. EDT. The Department of Education has also asked a group of U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellows to develop some suggested classroom activities around the speech to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. The suggested classroom activities will be available on www.ed.gov.

Here's how the President described the speech in a recent interview with 11 year-old reporter Damon Weaver yesterday: "On Sept. 8, when young people across the country will have just started or are about to go back to school, I'm going to be making a big speech to young people all across the country about the importance of education, the importance of staying in school, how we want to improve our education system, and why it's so important for the country. And so I hope everybody tunes in."

WHO:
President Obama

WHAT:
Presidential Address To Students

WHEN:
1 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009

WHERE:
Broadcast live at www.whitehouse.gov

News Roundup: August 21, 2009

2009-08-21T16:02:00.006-04:00

If you didn't read yesterday's letter from NSLP Executive Director, Nelda Brown about the Race to the Top initiative, please take the time to do so now! You (organizations) have until 1 PM EST, Wednesday, August 26 to sign on to the letter to Secretary Duncan.

Onward with the news!

Thousand Oaks Acorn, August 20, 2009 - On August 27, a new earth science magnet school, EARTHS, the Environmental Academy for Research Technology and Earth Sciences, in Conejo Valley Unified School District. Read the ties to service-learning here.

Staten Island Advance, August 20, 2009 - Wagner College was named one of the best academic programs to look for in service-learning in the 2010 edition of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report magazine. Read about it here.

Lipscomb University, August 20, 2009 - Lipscomb University, in Nashville, TN was named one of the “top up-and-coming” master’s universities in the South in the 2010 edition of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report magazine. They have a the SALT Program (Serving and Learning Together), which debuted in fall 2008, requiring all new students to fulfill designated service-learning requirements before graduation. Read more about Lipscomb University.

Sign-On Statement to U.S. Dept. of Education (deadline: 8/26)

2009-08-20T13:57:00.005-04:00

Dear Friends of Service-Learning:

As you may know, the U.S. Department of Education recently released a draft document for the “Race to the Top” initiative. Service-Learning United will submit a collective statement on behalf of the service-learning community (see here). This statement was developed over a three-week period with extensive input and feedback from multiple service-learning leaders and organizations.

You are invited to add your organization’s name to list of organizations signing on in support of the statement.

Sign-ons will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. eastern on Wednesday, August 26.

The goal of this joint statement is to ensure that service-learning has a place “at the table” as this administration lays out its priorities for education. Within this context, it is important that the service-learning field and our partners make some very concrete suggestions for changes to the text of Race to the Top. In an effort to focus our work we have focused on these three elements in our suggestions:

1. Affect the general composition of the standards by focusing standards around higher graduation rates and readiness for postsecondary and career success using applied learning opportunities.
2. In the body of the text, insert service-learning in areas making reference to applied and relevant learning experiences.
3. In the definition section, define existing terms in ways that provide more openings for service-learning.

The members and supporters of Service-Learning United want to create better standards, measure progress toward those standards through better data, and use this data to incentivize performance that once again leads back to the standards.

Use this link to add your organization’s name to the list of supporting organizations.

Please respond by no later than 1:00 p.m. eastern on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 to ensure your organization’s name is included on the final cover letter.

For the purposes of this letter, we can only accept organizational sign-ons at this time. We encourage individuals who want to express their support for service-learning to do so by submitting their own letters to the U.S. Department of Education.

Contact NSLP Policy Fellow at Ace Parsi if you have questions or need more information.

Please also share with your colleagues and affiliates.

Thanks in advance for your support and continued leadership.

Nelda
***********
Nelda Brown, Executive Director
National Service-Learning Partnership
Service-Learning United

P.S. For more information on the Race to the Top.

Background on Race to the Top
The U.S. Department of Education is planning to leverage the $4.3 billion allocated to it through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to create substantial changes in education. The primary goals of Race to the Top are to

· have states adopt “internationally benchmarked standards;”
· “recruit, develop, retain, and reward effective teachers and principals,”
· build data systems that support higher performance; and
· turn around low performing schools.

The initial goal of creating better standards provides the foundation for the rest of the goals. Once broader, better, and more uniform standards are created, states must create assessments to gauge progress in meeting those standards. Thereafter, principals, teachers, and their schools are held accountable to and rewarded for meeting and exceeding goals for student achievement and student growth. Meanwhile, these various stakeholders are to be kept more informed of their progress by a more responsive and rigorous data system.

News Roundup: August 20, 2009

2009-08-20T11:39:00.004-04:00

I have been inundated with service-learning spotlights over the last few days. Our field needs to continue "shining the spotlight" (as Amy Cohen used to say) on the good work being done in the field and the people doing the work! I cannot wait to watch us (as a field) harness the momentum from United We Serve, and move service-learning forward with the National Learn & Serve Challenge. Now, on to the news!

Salt Lake Tribune, August 19, 2009 - A spotlight on Gerald Wright Elementary School. The building is actually LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Students participate in service-learning. As the principal said, "The children know they are our future. They can be a productive and a vital and important part of looking at the world in a different way." Yes! We need more people and schools like Gerald Wright Elementary School in Salt Lake City, UT!

Statesman Journal, August 19, 2009 - Georgia Downey's participation in service-learning unwittingly opened more doors for her. She is profiled here because of a mentorship program she participated in with Willamette National Forest Detroit Ranger Station fisheries biologist Darren Cross. Read about what she called "destiny."

Shreveport Times, August 19, 2009 - A spotlight on Shreveport Green and ShrevCORPS.

Tiger Weekly, August 18, 2009 - In this article, Kristina Stafford advises LSU's incoming freshmen to "GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS." One of the ways she advises students to get involved is through service-learning courses. LSU offers 175 service-learning courses in over 35 departments! This is great to hear!

Jackson Citizen Patriot, August 18, 2009 - Another great spotlight on a service-learning program. This one comes from a Michigan Campus Compact member.

UDaily, August 18, 2009 - University of Delaware hosted a Service Learning Scholars Symposium on Friday, August 14. There are quite of few inspiring stories here about service-learning in higher education.

NHL News, August 4, 2009 - This Saturday, Coach Bruce Boudreau and defenseman Brian Pothier, of the Washington Captials, will participate in Beautification Day. This is part of the United We Serve program. The most exciting part is that fans are encouraged to volunteer with the Caps and participate in the event! The Capts will also host a service event in January 2010 near MLK Day. I love seeing local athletes coming out and giving back to their fans!

News Roundup: August 17, 2009

2009-08-17T15:34:00.003-04:00

Apologies for a very long overdue news roundup! Below are the best of the best. Stay tuned for more great developments - there is a lot of buzz going around with service-learning in higher ed. Stay tuned to this blog (and the Partnership's page) for more information on the Partnership's award for Service-Learning Excellence in Teacher Education to help us recognize and spotlight the great service-learning work in higher education!

Kentucky Post, August 12, 2009 - On August 5-6, Kentucky Campus Compact, in partnership with Louisiana Campus Compact, held a train-the-trainer service-learning institute for higher education. It's always great to see good training and exposure for service-learning in higher ed. Click here to read the article.

Baltimore Sun, August 12, 2009 - Eunice Kennedy Shriver is memorialized in this Baltimore Sun letter. The writer states, that he is "proud to continue through the many service-learning programs of the Shriver Center at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Mrs. Shriver showed us that playing together leads to understanding each other, and that understanding is the cornerstone of a more just, happy and peaceful world."

The Tribune Star, August 11, 2009 - Eunice Kennedy Shriver's passing was a sad day for many people, especially those in the service field. This article pays tribute to Shriver.

Trading Markets, August 11, 2009 - John Wiley & Sons Ltd: Civic Service: Service-Learning with State and Local Government Partners Book - Interesting book about effective service-learning lessons about giving faculty and administrators of institutions of higher education what it takes to collaborate effectively with government partners such as city councils, school districts, and public agencies.

Take Part Blog, August 10, 2009 - A spotlight on VolunteerMatch.

Challenge Excitement = No News Update

2009-08-12T14:34:00.004-04:00

I was fortunate enough to spend lunch on Wednesday at ServeDC's 2009 Service-Learning Institute. I was initially reluctant to participate in their lunch networking activity and as always, I was pleasantly surprised. The excitement that the staffers from GWU's Office of Community Service displayed for service-learning opportunities was refreshing! Since it was a networking activity, I used the time to plug the Partnership and the National Learn & Serve Challenge. I hope that the GWU office will continue making strides - and use us as a great resource!

Speaking of the Challenge, I've been spending all of my time on the Challenge, and have not spent much time updating the news section. I have a slew of news items for everyone, but you'll have to wait until Monday for them - unless I feel really motivated over the weekend!

State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grants Available

2009-08-10T16:28:00.003-04:00

$5 million in service-learning grants are now available!

Enter in the 2010 NSLP Multimedia Showcase

2009-08-10T16:19:00.001-04:00

Submission Deadline: January 22, 2010

We live in a world faced with several critical challenges that deserve our collective attention. Everyday in schools and communities across the country—and in fact, the world—young people are daring to make a difference by tackling the challenge to create solutions to these important community problems.

Youth engaged in service-learning do not consider themselves to be “the leaders of tomorrow” because so many are stepping forward as leaders today. Through service-learning, young people are taking what they learn in the classroom and translating it into powerful ideas and action to create change in their own communities.

Celebrating Youth Who Dare To Change the World through Service-Learning

With support from the State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation, the National Service-Learning Partnership (NSLP) at the Academy for Educational Development is helping us shine a bold spotlight on the many ways in which we as young people are changing the world.

It is a national service-learning recognition program for youth, by youth. Through the We Are a Solution: Youth Changing the World through Service-Learning Multimedia Showcase, young people can express how they are transforming their communities, their schools, and even their own lives through service-learning. Through this showcase, youth will:

- Tell the world how education becomes more meaningful and school becomes more exciting when they are given the chance to put the skills and information learned in the classroom into action in the world around us.
- Spotlight the many ways in which youth are creating solutions to important community problems.
- Inspire others to bring learning to life by creating more opportunities for young people to learn and take action through service-learning.

News Roundup: August 7, 2009

2009-08-07T09:46:00.002-04:00

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!

From Our Friends at United We Serve

2009-07-31T14:28:00.002-04:00

Here is more information about the United We Serve initiative from our friend Phil Martin!

News Roundup: July 31, 2009

2009-07-31T14:03:00.002-04:00

Today is the last day of July. I cannot believe that we are getting so close to the end of summer. This is a great time to start thinking about and planning your service-learning activities, projects, etc. for the 2009-2010 school year! Check out the National Learn & Serve Challenge's website for more details.

Moving on to the news. We have been inundated with news stories in the last few days since the Volunteering in America report was released. My apologizes for not being as up to date - that just means more stories for today! For the most part, the stories have been positive. However, there are always opponents to the work we are trying to push forward. I will try not dwell upon them, and instead focus on the "wins" we have made!

The press continues to tout the great efforts of those in their communities: Portland News (Oregon), Utah (#1 for the 4th year in a row), and Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle is #4). Other newspapers chide their communities for not doing more and to use these rankings as an opportunity to get more involved. Los Angeles and El Paso rank 7th to last and last in their respective rankings (based off of population size). Will this make a difference? Only time will tell!

On with other news:
Portland Press Herald (Maine), July 29, 2009 - Some speculate that with harder economic times, volunteering would decrease. However, as this article points out, people are pouring their energies outside of their own immediate families and selves to help others in need.

NonProfit Times, July 28, 2009 - The NonProfit Times highlights the volunteering efforts of young adults, which makes up a large part of the spike in volunteerism. It is especially reassuring for me, as a millennial, to see others in my generation embracing the work we are trying to hard to advance. Click here for the full article.

News Roundup: July 28, 2009

2009-07-28T14:12:00.005-04:00

The release of the Volunteering in America report has created more buzz around service and service-learning. It's really great to see different states and communities taking pride in volunteerism being high in their states. The Denver Post, Nebraska TV, and Governor Culver of Iowa all proudly announced their rankings. This is great and all of the states should keep up the good work! Great job in promoting your home states!

Here's the original press release from the Corporation for National and Community Service on the Volunteering in America report:
Corporation for National and Community Service, July 28, 2009 - Check out the press release for the Volunteering in America report!

Other news around service-learning:
United Press International, July 28, 2009 - In this economy, non-profit organizations are suffering just as much, if not more than other organizations. This article is about these non-profits leaning on volunteers to stay afloat.

examiner.com, July 27, 2009 - Another opinion piece about service-learning. This one is from a Chicago K-12 Education Examiner!

Volunteering in America

2009-07-28T14:04:00.004-04:00

Today, the Corporation for National and Community Service released the annual Volunteering in America report, which provides civic activity rates and statistics for every state and nearly 200 cities.

Along with the release of Volunteering in America, the Corporation also updated the website. The information is great and will hopefully help us in our efforts to keep service rolling!

News Roundup: July 27, 2009

2009-07-27T15:04:00.003-04:00

There seems to be a lot of energy buzzing around service lately - especially with the United We Serve initiative. We, at the Partnership, are aiming to keeping this energy moving forward through service-learning. Please watch in the coming weeks as we provide more information and suggestions about how you can get involved!

Baltimore Sun, July 27, 2009 - Service learning is different from community service! This article shows some of the confusion in the Baltimore schools. A great time to educate the public, parents and community about service-learning is during the National Learn & Serve Challenge (October 5-11, 2009)! Learn more at www.learnandservechallenge.org.

Eagle Tribune, July 26, 2009 - Good op-ed in favor of a United States Public Service Academy.

WMU News, July 24, 2009 - Western Michigan University anthropologist, Dr. Michael S. Nassaney, co-edited a book with Franklin & Marshal associate professor of anthropology, Mary Ann Levine. The book, Archaeology and Community Service Learning showcases the mutual contributions of archaeology and community service learning. Read the press release here.

Don't Shortchange National Service

2009-07-25T16:55:00.001-04:00

Editorial in the New York Times about national service! Read here.

News Roundup: July 24, 2009

2009-07-24T10:43:00.002-04:00

The summer is really heating up! People and organizations from all around the country are coming together and answering President Obama's call to service. We will continue to try and update everyone with events and news. Stayed tuned, as next week is Education Week for United We Serve, and there are sure to be some great announcements and events!

NFL Players Association, July 23, 2009 - NFL Players Association joins President Obama in the United We Serve initiative. See the PSA and the press release here.

Arizona Republic, July 23, 2009 - Read about how students in Valley, AZ spent their summer serving!

July 20, 2009 - Representatives from the HandsOn Network Youth Action Center helped ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Closing Bell. Read about it here.

House Funding Attention: Full Court Press on the Senate

2009-07-20T09:02:00.002-04:00

Dear Service-Learning Colleagues:

On Friday evening, the House Appropriations Committee approved their FY10 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill that includes $160.7 billion in discretionary spending, $5.6 billion more than in 2009 and $52 million less than what President Obama requested. As we reported earlier, this bill includes $1.059 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service. This is a $169 million increase to implement the new Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

The House mark, however, is $90 million below the President's request. The $90 million difference is largely across four accounts: AmeriCorps State and National, the National Service Trust, the Social Innovation Fund and CNCS's Operating Budget. Learn and Serve America received $39.5 million, which is consistent with the president's request of an additional $2 million, but far less than we'd hoped to put us on the path to truly expanding service-learning in our nation's schools and communities.

Now our full attention shifts to the Senate, which begins deliberations this week (with congressional staff already preparing recommendations, etc.). I'm going to borrow words from our colleague AnnMaura Connolly of Voices for National Service:

"We need media, lots of media, especially in the states where the senate appropriations subcommittee members are from. We have to push for the entire President's request. After all of the incredible work and effort by everyone on this email and many others, we managed to pass major new legislation in the first 100 days of this administration. We have to push hard to realize the promise of The Edward M. Kennedy Act. We can't just let Congress-after that historic vote-slide by with an appropriation that doesn't get as close as possible to the first year of the Serve America Act."

For those of us that care about the funding for service-learning, this is our last chance to push for a bigger increase for Learn and Serve America. While the House supported the president's increase of $2 million, we're still no where close to being where need to be to dramatically expand opportunities for all young people to learn and serve.

The list of Senate Appropriators is below (subcommittee members indicated with an *). Scan the list now to see if there is a member from your state or if you have programs or local affiliates in these states.

--Who can help contact these offices? We should reach out to the entire Appropriations Committee, with a special emphasis on members of the Labor-HHS subcommittee (indicated by an *).

On Monday, we'll send a call to action with talking points and contact information to help supporters make calls and send e-messages to these members. But we also need to know who can make "high level" calls directly to the senators (or senior members in their offices).

--Who can help generate local media in the states where these senators are located?

FULL APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii, Chairman*
ROBERT C. BYRD, West Virginia
PATRICK J. LEAHY, Vermont
TOM HARKIN, Iowa*
BARBARA A. MIKULSKI, Maryland
HERB KOHL, Wisconsin*
PATTY MURRAY, Washington*
BYRON DORGAN, North Dakota
DIANNE FEINSTEIN, California
RICHARD J. DURBIN, Illinois*
TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota
MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana*
JACK REED, Rhode Island*
FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, New Jersey
BEN NELSON, Nebraska
MARK PRYOR, Arkansas*
JON TESTER, Montana
ARLEN SPECTER, Pennsylvania*

THAD COCHRAN, Mississippi, Vice Chairman*
CHRISTOPHER S. BOND, Missouri
MITCH MCCONNELL, Kentucky
RICHARD C. SHELBY, Alabama*
JUDD GREGG, New Hampshire*
ROBERT F. BENNETT, Utah
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas*
SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas
LAMAR ALEXANDER, Tennessee*
SUSAN COLLINS, Maine
GEORGE VOINOVICH, Ohio
LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska

Now is the time to pull out all of the stops. Once you call or send an email, please let us know by emailing Ace Parsi.

Thanks for everything you are all doing already, and let's bring it home!

Nelda Brown
National Service-Learning Partnership
Service-Learning United

News Roundup: July 17, 2009

2009-07-17T10:07:00.007-04:00

I hope that everyone is enjoying the news roundups. This week has been filled with very interesting stories documenting the energy around service and service-learning. Please send any interesting articles that I have missed to Christina Kwon or the National Service-Learning Partnership. Also, visit the NSLP page on facebook! On with the news!

Politico, July 17, 2009 - John Bridgeland and Alan Khazei, in their roles as leaders in ServiceNation, offer their opinions about service in There's no stimulus like service.

CNN, July 16, 2009 - Before I saw this story, I did not know that Cathryn Berger Kaye and Terry Pickeral were leading seminars on Harry Potter and service-learning. I will definitely have to look into this! Please see this very interesting article about how lessons in the Harry Potter books have carried over into real life.

Heartland Connection, July 16, 2009 - Senator Schmitz writes in her column that Iowa and Iowan are continuing their involvement in service! Read more.

The Journal-Register, July 17, 2009 - The idea began in Eastern Tanzania in the small village of Kambi ya Simba. The children there began documenting their everyday life, putting it into a book entitled “In Our Village: Kambi ya Simba Through the Eyes of Its Youth.” Our friend and service-learning leader, Cathryn Berger Kaye, was given a copy of a book entitled "In Our Village: Kambi ya Simba Through the Eyes of Its Youth." Children in the small Tanzanian village of Kambi ya Simba documented their everyday life. The students at Albion have continued the "Our Village" series. Read about what happened!

5 Towns Jewish Times, July 16, 2009 - Twenty-one students from select U.S. universities will serve as counselors for fourth annual Counterpoint Israel program. This service-learning initiative, July 23–August 23, aims to empower and build the next generation of Israeli youth by providing them a summer camp experience filled with important life skills. Click here to read more.

Warwick Beacon, July 16, 2009 - Marilyn Swierk, who received the 1993 National AAFCS Teacher of the Year honors for her Service Learning Program at Vets, was recently elected president of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She has authored many books, including "A Guide to Service Learning." Please see the full article for more information.

2009 Service-Learning Institute (DC Area)

2009-07-17T09:55:00.004-04:00

We are finishing the second full week of July. Where has all the time gone? Well, it's about time to start gearing up for the National Learn & Serve Challenge. I was just chatting with Kristen Henry from ServeDC, and she reminded me that their 2009 Service-Learning Institute is coming up in August. This is a great opportunity to start thinking about the Challenge and the upcoming school year. So, for all of those DC area service-learning practitioners, school teachers and community based leaders, this is one for you!

The Mayor's Office on Volunteerism, presents the 2009 Service-Learning Institute in partnership with America's Promise Alliance. The 2009 Service-Learning Institute (SLI) will engage 75 Learn and Serve America and AmeriCorps sites, faith and community-based programs, and DC public school system educators and administrators. We believe SLI will be a catalyst and the first of many opportunities for youth practitioners and educators to institutionalize service-learning as a formidable approach to educate youth in the District of Columbia.

SLI will provide service-learning practitioners with an introduction to the K-12 Quality Standards for Service-Learning; strategies for environmental service-learning; best practices for making the case for service-learning programs; and the opportunity to network and share ideas with colleagues in the field. Attendees will also learn about national and local resources to support service-learning programming.

More information contact Jaime Spilken, Learn and Serve Program Officer for more information at 202-727-7949 or Jaime.Spilken@dc.gov.

Registration is free but you MUST register to attend! Please visit the website!

News Roundup: July 16, 2009

2009-07-16T10:21:00.004-04:00

This week, the American Federation of Teacher's Quality Educational Standards in Teaching conference took place at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. NSLP manned a booth in the exhibit hall with the people from United We Serve. It gave us the opportunity to talk with teachers (and some students) about service-learning and the National Learn & Serve Challenge. While it was refreshing to meet those already involved in service-learning, it was even better exposing new people to the concept. Some were already doing service-learning, and did not know it! The teachers were spoke with are all looking for new ways to engage their students, and the stories below show this in action at all levels of education.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 14, 2009 - Students with Amizade Global Service Learning at the University of Pittsburgh, live and work in communities around the world for both cultural experience and college credit. Read more about the students and the program here.

The Express Star, July 13, 2009 - This is a great spotlight on service-learning and an overview of Service Learning/Civic Engagement program at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

University Daily Kansan, July 9, 2009 - The University of Kansas is certifying more students in transcript certification programs, such as Global Awareness, Research Experience, and Service-Learning, than ever in the university history. Read about the programs here.

Vermont Business Magazine, July 9, 2009 - The Vermont Secretary of State Deb Markowitz announced the launch of a new initiative, the Guard Card Project. This service-learning project will provide free Verizon telephone cards to all deployed Vermont National Guardsmen and women. Learn more about this project here.

Service-Learning in My Own Backyard: Earth Force Students in Action

2009-07-15T13:24:00.005-04:00

July 15, 2009 - How cool is this? After spending a hard day at work working with so many talented people to promote service-learning nationwide, I just found out that service-learning is literally taking place in my own backyard.

Check out this article to learn more about the middle school students who were honored for the using their education to make a difference for the Holmes Run watershed in Alexandria, Virginia. These students participated in Earth Force as part of their 7th grade science classes.

My building overlooks Holmes Run. As condo dwellers, Holmes Run Park is my pseudo front lawn. It's where my neighbors cookout and garden and where my five year old and I play football in the fall, blow bubbles in the summer, and make snow angels in the winter. Until I read about the work of these middle schoolers, I never knew it played such an important role in the environmental health of our community.

So hats off to Ms. Bort's 7th grade students at Hammond Middle School from someone who believes in the power of service-learning to improve education and communities--and from a grateful neighbor of the Holmes Run watershed.

Support Service-Learning Funding: Serve America Act Funding Debate Begins Tomorrow

2009-07-07T14:53:00.003-04:00

A message from Service-Learning United:

In April, President Obama signed the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. The Act gives permission to significantly increase authorized spending levels for service-learning and Learn and Serve America as a first step toward creating a new era of service and civic engagement in America. Your grassroots support was essential to getting this legislation passed. Now, we need your help one more time to let Congress know how important it is to fully fund the Serve America Act.

While the Kennedy Serve America Act gives permission to establish new programs and additional spending, it does not actually provide the funding. The budget process is separate, takes place each year, and is happening now!

TOMORROW, July 8, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will begin deciding how much to invest in service and service-learning throughout our nation. This is a critical moment in the legislative process. It is important that we call on Congress and urge them, as a first step, to support President Obama's budget request for the Corporation for National and Community Service. In addition, as service-learning advocates, we also need to encourage Congress to provide an additional $10 million for Learn and Serve America for a total of $50 million and additional funds to support the Summer of Service Initiative. These programs are critical to ensuring a foundation for a lifelong commitment to service and need to be adequately funded.

It's important to act now. Please call and ask your legislators to fund the Corporation for National and Community Service at $1.159 billion for the following fiscal year, which would provide at least $50 million for Learn and Serve America.

Your outreach is extremely important as Congress faces some tough decisions on national funding priorities. House Appropriators are scheduled to hold their first markup session on July 8 and the Senate Committee is expected to meet on July 20.

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

1. To determine the members of your congressional delegation, visit here. This database will provide you with contact information for your elected officials.

2. You can call your Congressperson directly or be connected through the House Operator (202-225-3121) or Senate Operator (202-224-3121).

3. Once connected, identify yourself as a constituent and ask to speak to the Legislative Assistant in change of national service and education issues.

4. Let the Legislative Assistant know that you strongly support funding the Corporation for National and Community Service at $1.159 billion. Urge them to make sure K-12 age youth have the chance to give back as well by providing at least $50 million for Learn and Serve America and additional funds to support the Summer of Service Initiative.

5. Finally, forward this message to 5 friends and encourage them to speak up for service-learning as well.

Thank you so much for all that you do to give young people the opportunity to engage in service-learning.

****************************
Service-Learning United is a national grassroots alliance of local, state, and national organizations committed to educating our nation's leaders and citizens about the positive and powerful impact service-learning has on young people, schools, and the communities they serve. Service-Learning United is supported by the State Farm Companies Foundation and is managed by the National Service-Learning Partnership at the Academy for Educational Development.

News Roundup: July 7, 2009

2009-07-07T09:30:00.004-04:00

Many news stories came out over the holiday weekend. Below is a sampling of some intriguing stories. Also, check out the Partnership's page on facebook, see the badge to the right of your screen.

Philadelphia Inquirer, July 6, 2009 - Alyssa Schwenk, a senior of the University of Pennsylvania, wrote an op-ed piece in favor of the US Public Service Academy. Please click here to view it.

eNews Park Forest, July 3, 2009 - Prairie State College (PSC) wins the League of Women Voters Award. The school received the award from the National Student/Parent Mock Election for organizing a mock election with sixth grade students at Washington-McKinley School in Chicago Heights as part of the school's service-learning initiative. To view the press release, click here.

Jewish Exponent, July 2, 2009 - An interesting op-ed on service-learning and future leaders by Jeffrey A. Barrack. The field needs more pieces like this!

Vanderbilt University News Network, July 1, 2009 - Vanderbilt professor, Marshall Eakin, was named the director of the Ingram Scholars Program. Eakin has been a long supporter of service-learning initiatives. To see the full article, click here.

The Journal Times, June 29, 2009 - A recipient of the 2009 Governor’s Statewide Service-Learning Award, the Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside will host the 2009 Environmental Survival Challenge. For more information, visit here.

News Roundup: June 30, 2009

2009-06-30T10:46:00.004-04:00

We are in the last day of June, and it's heartening to see so much service-learning work being done and being recognized across the country.

Grand Island Independent, June 28, 2009 - John Buller, a Hampton native, devoted the last three years of his life to service. A recent graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Buller was part of a campus program called Global Service Learning, which revolves around volunteering locally and globally. Read the full article here.

Indianapolis Star, June 27, 2009 - Jeffrey T. Bryant, a social work professor at the University of Indianapolis was awarded a $3,750 grant, sponsored by the Indiana Campus Compact. He will use the grant to develop a global model for service learning. Read the article here.

News Roundup: June 26, 2009

2009-06-26T12:12:00.002-04:00

ROXBURY TWP., June 26, 2009 - Roxbury High School teacher, Lori Baker is honored as the "Teacher of the Year." Baker was instrumental in developing the Service Learning Program at Roxbury High School and has created countless opportunities for her students." Read the full article here.

HARPERS FERRY, June 26, 2009 - A service learning project created by Harpers Ferry Middle School students about the story of John Brown's Raid was publicly unveiled Thursday to local, state and national officials. Read the full article here.

Tech Alumn Returns To Pitch Social Networking Site - June 18, 2009

2009-06-18T12:39:00.001-04:00

Tech Alumn Returns To Pitch Social Networking Site - June 18, 2009

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AmeriCorps VISTA program links workers with Oklahoma programs | OKG Scene.com

2009-06-18T12:37:00.001-04:00

AmeriCorps VISTA program links workers with Oklahoma programs | OKG Scene.com

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Learn & Serve Challenge Participant Honored

2009-06-17T10:48:00.003-04:00

The Ohio Department of Education, Learn and Serve Ohio, recognized the Elida Local School District for their long-term commitment and leadership to service-learning. Elida hosted the first statewide youth challenge conference in Columbus during the 2008 Learn and Serve Challenge. Dave Desenberg, Marsha Jackson, and Jo Ellen Miller are to be commended for their dedication to service-learning and are leaders in helping to expand quality service-learning in Ohio and nationally.

Please go here to view the article.

Guam Speaker on Service Learning

2009-06-17T10:45:00.001-04:00

Guam- Speaker Judi Won Pat has introduced three new measures before the next session occurs at the end of the month.

Among the three is Bill 154, which requires high school students to complete 75 hours of "service learning" before they can graduate. Won Pat says it was optional for students to perform community service tasks in the past, such as tutoring, but wants to make it a requirement to teach them more valuable lessons outside of the classroom.

The other two bills Won Pat has also introduced includes one that amends the hiring and training of substitute teachers, and another that calls for the extension of the adoption of textbooks. To view all of the speaker's new bills, log on to www.guamlegislature.com

Illinois State First Public University in Illinois with a Service-Learning Minor

2009-06-09T15:00:00.000-04:00

Students attending Illinois State University will receive a gift from State Farm Companies Foundation through the launch of a minor in an area that is important to both organizations—service-learning. The 21 hour minor, which is still in the proposal stage, will allow Illinois State students an opportunity to receive training in the fields of Civic Engagement and Social Leadership. Students enrolled in the new minor will be required to complete a course in Civic Responsibility, offered by shared faculty and staff across the academic board.

“Civic Engagement is one of Illinois State’s core values under the University’s strategic plan, Educating Illinois, and this new minor is another example of placing our values into action,” said President Al Bowman. “It also represents another important partnership with State Farm, a company that has a long-standing commitment to global service-learning programs.”

Civic Engagement and Social Leadership minors will choose from three main emphases; social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and political engagement. The curriculum will also be aligned with State Farm’s Semester of Service initiative to allow for service-learning to occur within normal coursework. With approval of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the University’s Board of Trustees, the new minor should be available for registration by the 2010-2011 school year.

“State Farm is proud to partner with Illinois State University,” said CEO and Chairman of State Farm, Ed Rust Jr., “because we feel that integrating service-learning into the curriculum of teacher education, can change the future of education.” Illinois State is the first public higher education institution in the State of Illinois to acknowledge service-learning as a minor.

Congratulations to the raffle winner for the 2009 Learn & Serve Challenge!

2009-05-29T14:28:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Mrs. Valerie Lomax's class at North Dorchester Middle School in Hurlock, MD. They are the raffle winners for the early registrants to the 2009 National Learn & Serve Challenge.

Remember, you can now register your group/school/organization here.

Also, become a Proud Partner of the National Learn & Serve Challenge. To register as a partner, go here.

New Information for Action Journal Now Available

2009-05-27T14:52:00.003-04:00

The Partnership is pleased to announce the release of Information for Action: A Journal for Research on Service-Learning for Children and Youth, Volume I, Number 2.

The Journal is a peer-reviewed publication that features relevant, methodologically sound studies of service-learning impacts and examples of innovative instruction written by experts, scholars, practitioners, and youth. The Journal is filled with important reports from a variety of perspectives and includes information that contributes to the growing literature on service-learning research. In it, you will find studies from collegiate researchers, practitioners, and youth.

Volume I, Number 2 includes the following articles:

Introduction

ACADEMIC ARTICLES

Service-Learning as Creative Productivity by Jane Newman and Larry Bailis

Cultural-Based Service-Learning as a Transformative Learning Experience for Undergraduate Students and Community Recipients by Lori Simons, Elizabeth Williams, Nancy Hirshinger-Blank, Kimyette Willis, Cassandra Dry, Courtnery Floyd, and Brittany Russell

PRACTITIONER ARTICLES

Service-Learning: What Motivates K-12 Teachers to Participate In and Sustain Service-Learning Projects by Marjori M. Krebs, Ed.D

Nuestros Ninos: Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Educate Latino Migrant Children and Youth through Service-Learning by Rubén P. Viramontez Anguiano, Ph.D., CFLE, José P. Salinas, Ed.D., and Walter Garcia Kawamoto, Ph.D.

YOUTH-LED ARTICLES

Youth-Led Action Research, Planning & Evaluation (Youth REP): A Vehicle for Service-Learning and Community Change by Tee J. Tagor and Sergio Cuellar

BOOK REVIEW

Youth Participatory Evaluation: Strategies for Engaging Young People reviewed by Robert Shumer

What's In a Name?: MN School Seeks to Honor Obamas and Service-Learning

2009-05-19T13:50:00.003-04:00

5/19/09 - St. Paul, MN - According to the StarTribune, "Webster Magnet Elementary voted earlier this month to change the school's name to "Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary." The change needs the board's stamp of approval."

The article goes on to say "Webster is in its first year of a service-learning program, and the school wanted a new name to reflect the shift in focus. The site council, made up of parents and community members, put the Obama name and "Webster Service Learning Elementary" on the ballot. Students, staff and St. Paul residents were invited to cast ballots."

Read the full article here.

Kennedy Serve America Listening Tour, May 13-28

2009-05-12T23:25:00.005-04:00

The Corporation for National and Community Service is conducting a series of meetings to solicit ideas and input on the design and implementation of the Kennedy Serve America Act.

Let’s make sure service-learning supporters are SEEN AND HEARD

Step 1. Register to Attend. Below is the schedule of the upcoming meetings:

May 13, 2009, Springfield, MO, 1:00 - 4:00pm (local)
May 14, 2009, Columbia, SC, 1:00 - 4:00pm (local)
May 20, 2009, Washington, DC*, 12:30 - 2:30pm (local)
May 22, 2009, Boston, MA, 9:00am - 12:00pm (local)
May 27, 2009, Salt Lake City, UT, 9:00am - 12:00pm (local)
May 28, 2009, New Orleans, LA, 1:00 - 4:00pm (local)
You can register here.

Step 2. Let Us Know You’re Attending. Once you register, let us know what session you plan to attend. We want to make sure service-learning supporters can connect to amplify our voice and collective priorities. We'll also make sure you have updated talking points and materials to help you communicate our message effectively. Connect to other service-learning spokespeople here.

Step 3. Prepare to Speak Up for Service-Learning. Here are tips to effectively speak up for service-learning at these sessions:

Arrive on time, if not early.
At the sessions you will sign up to speak on a "first come first served" basis.
Each speaker gets 3 minutes and it goes until the 3 hours is up.
The "flow" of the sessions corresponds to whoever signs up. With that in mind service-learning spokespeople in attendance should diverse themselves so service-learning issues are mentioned throughout.
Use these suggested talking points to help communicate the collective priorities and concerns of the service-learning community.

Step 4. Spread the Word. Please spread the word to your networks and constituents, especially if you live or work in one of the communities hosting a listening tour session. Service-learning talking points and supporting materials for the Serve America Listening Tour will be available on http://www.servicelearningunited.org/

Service Agency Visited by First Lady Obama: Speaks Up for Service-Learning

2009-05-12T23:20:00.008-04:00

Washington, DC - May 12, 2009 - First lady Michelle Obama says that community service changed her life.Mrs. Obama spoke Tuesday to about 250 employees of the federal agency that manages service programs, the Corporation for National and Community Service. She talked about her decision to leave corporate law and how she eventually helped to establish a Chicago chapter of an AmeriCorps program. Visit WJLA-ABC7 News for more information (and hopefully) video footage of the event (photo courtesy of WJLA-ABC 7 News).

Now I must admit, I am one Mrs. Obama's biggest fans (I know it's not cool to say that). But after reading these quotes, I'm almost certain that I will be a founding member of the Michelle Obama Fan Club in my hometown, assuming it has yet to be established (smile). Check out these quotes:

"And for parents in particular, now that I have my own children, service is a great way to demonstrate values and to teach children firsthand what it means to think outside of themselves. And we've relied on service so much as a tool of teaching and education for our kids. And when I talk to kids everywhere, I remind them that they're never too young to serve, that they're never too small to do something big, because that's the way that they learn what it means to make a lifelong commitment to service."

"The bill is going to invest in service-learning, a concept that now is a part of this culture, thanks to you. When I was coming up, no one knew what service-learning was. And now it's a part of educational experiences throughout this nation, so more kids are going to have the opportunity to serve, not just those who can afford it. And that goes back to my story."

I love it! You can read the full article by the Chicago Sun-Times.