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K-12 Educators
Hold a Recognition Event
Organize a Open House or Reception
Inviting Policymakers to visit your site
Feature Service-Learning in Your Newsletter and on Your Website
Sponsor a “Be a Solution” Button or T-Shirt Day
Organize a Service-Learning Fair or Expo

Students
Make a Service-Learning YouTube Video
Ask Your Teacher About Service-Learning
Hold a Service-Learning Event

Community Groups
Feature Service-Learning in Your Newsletter and on Your Website
Make a School Board Presentation

State Entities
Securing a Proclamation
Organize a Service-Learning Showcase
Organize a Check Presentation or Recognition Ceremony
Language For Message On The Challenge
Inviting Legislators to Challenge and Service Events

Families
Present Using BLTL
Introduce SL to PTA
Recognize Teachers and Students for SL

Higher Ed
Suggested Activities For Higher Education Institutions

LANGUAGE FOR SUPERINTENDENT, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OR GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE ON THE CHALLENGE
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Goal:
Give greater visibility to service-learning in your state by requesting a message from your state’s highest elected officials that officially adopts the Learn and Serve Challenge.

TIPS:

1. Do some investigation to find out who the contact person is that handles these requests.
2. Send your request in writing by fax or email (preferably on organizational letterhead). Ask your contact which method he or she prefers.
3. Include a page of information, typically a draft of your proposed message that you would like highlighted in the document.
4. When drafting your proposed language:

a. Start out broad and funnel down to your local area.
b. Include statistics.
c. Acknowledge that the event is being held nationally.
d. The proposed language should not take sides in matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs, or individual conviction.

5. Be sure to leave a contact name and phone number in case there are questions about your submission.
6. Give the office 4-6 weeks lead time in order to process your request.
7. Find out about their procedure for obtaining completed documents. Will they mail it or should it be picked up? Will it also be available on their website?
8. Governmental offices use their discretion in modifying or denying any request.

TIPS FOR SOME LANGUAGE USED IN A MESSAGE ON THE CHALLENGE:
  • Encourage school districts to make service-learning a regularly used instructional method.
  • Explain how service-learning can enhance a student’s education by making the connections between curricula and the real world.
  • THE OFFICIAL fully supports and commends THOSE WORKING TO educate our students.
  • The National Learn & Serve Challenge is organized by a coalition of service-learning and youth service organizations (http://learnandservechallenge.org). In YOUR STATE, hundreds of local and regional service-learning organizations will be conducting public awareness events and activities during the week of the Challenge (October 6-12).
  • Give examples of several community groups and/or schools participating in the National Learn & Serve Challenge.
  • Give examples of school districts with a service-learning graduation requirement.