What makes a project meaningful and effective?
Meets a recognized need in the community
There is an opportunity for classroom knowledge to be applied and tested in real-life settings
Reflect throughout the service-learning experience
Develop student responsibility
Establish community partnerships
Plan ahead for service-learning
Equip students with knowledge and skills needed for service
When planning the next community service project,
one must ask themselves these questions:
Will students be excited about the project? Have you built in a "fun" or social component?
Does the project offer opportunities for student leadership development, real learning, sharing, and friendship?
Has there been time set aside for orientation, reflection, and evaluation?
Will the service challenging, meaningful, valuable, and necessary?
Is there enough work for everyone to do? Is the formula balanced? (Volunteers/Tasks hours = Results)
Is it "Do-Able?" - Is the project within the resources (time, people, money, and expertise) of you, your group, or your volunteers? Any special training, orientation, paperwork, medical checks, fees, or background checks needed first?
Will it conflict with any other groups or events in campus? Any possible opposition?
Is there a potential to build coalitions with other campus groups? Will it be open to, or will you tap into, diverse student populations?
Do we have a clear entrance and exit strategy, understand our volunteer roles and responsibilities, and, are we prepared for what we will experience? Do we need a short orientation before the project?
Is it safe? Have you exercised "due care" to attempt to foresee any potential dangers and taken the necessary precautions? Do we have waivers for everyone? Did you consult your advisor and/or university attorney? Have you done a site-visit?
Finding Committed Volunteers
Tried and True Methods - Creative flyers and handouts, class presentations, student newspaper (ads, newsbriefs, and coverage), campus radio, Dorm storms (flyers, door-to-door)
Wholesale Methods - Approach student clubs, groups, and Greek organizations.
High-Tech - Fax campaigns and campus e-mail blitzes
Creative Methods - Fund-raisers, Table Tents |
