Action Alert: Support Learn and Serve America!

Service-learning funding is in jeopardy. Recently, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees recommended only $34.1 million for Learn and Serve America, the only federal funding source dedicated to supporting service-learning.

If enacted, this means a 20% cut from the traditional funding level of $43 million. Can you imagine how service-learning in your school or community would be impacted by receiving 20% less than you have now?

But, there is still hope and you still have time! If you act now, you can influence the legislative process before final funding decisions are made.

Now is the time to engage your congressional leaders. Now is the time to educate them about service-learning and to increase support for Learn and Serve America.

Below are three ways you can take action today:

• VISIT YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS'S LOCAL OFFICE IN AUGUST
  Congressional members are in recess and back in their states and districts during the month of August. This is great opportunity for you (and your students if available) to visit their district office and inform your elected officials and their staff just how important service-learning is for your students, school, and community.
  
  Download tips to help you schedule a meeting at the district office.
  
  
• SCHEDULE A SITE VISIT IN OCTOBER
  Members of Congress and their staff will likely be in their home states and Districts during the month of October. This is a great opportunity to invite Members and their staff to visit your service-learning site. Show Members the powerful impact and benefits of young people participating in service-learning activities.
  
  Download tips to help you schedule a site visit by an elected official.
  
  Download a sample letter of invitation
  
  
• PLAN FOR NATIONAL SERVICE HILL DAY IN SEPTEMBER
  The Voices for National Service Hill Day is another great opportunity to help make the case for national service funding. Please join us in Washington, DC on September 14 to share your personal stories of impact with Congress. If you are unable to attend, you can still "voice" your support by calling your Congressional members on the 14th and sharing your personal story with their office. Details and tipsheets will be provided closer to the date of this event.
  

  To register as a National Service Hill Day participant visit the Voices for National Service website.

Your Senators and Representatives must hear about the positive impact and vital need for service-learning from the voices of their constituents. You have the power to persuade and enact change. Take action today!

--Seung C. Yu, Policy Director
National Service-Learning Partnership
Service-Learning United