ORGANIZE A SERVICE-LEARNING SHOWCASE
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Goal:
To celebrate and showcase your past service-learning accomplishments and to build interest in upcoming service-learning opportunities in your state.
Description:
During the Learn & Serve Challenge, organize an open house, exhibit booth, reception, or press conference at the state legislature. Consider linkages to events or activities you are already planning.
Example:
The State House Showcase can include trainings for students and teachers on how to work with the media and public officials, give presentations, and advocate without lobbying. Sub-grantees can set up displays about their service-learning projects in the Capitol courtyard and give presentations to their elected officials about their projects.
Materials Needed:
- Poster displays or pictures of previous service-learning activities or experiences, including examples of youth participants’ work and/or reflections.
- DVD player or VCR to play service-learning promotional video(s).
- A flyer for passersby which includes information on service-learning, state-specific statistics and impacts, short testimonials, contact information for state program directors, etc.
- Certificate announcing that your state is accepting the National Learn & Serve Challenge.
- A sign-up sheet to record the names and contact information of those who attended.
Resources:
HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT:
Step 1: Tackle the logistics! Determine an ideal time slot for the event. Seek the appropriate space and permission to set-up service-learning displays in the State House.
Step 2: Create an agenda. When crafting your agenda, remember the overarching goals of the Learn & Serve Challenge.
Step 3: Send invitations. Consider who you want to participate in the event – youth, parents/families, educators, community leaders, etc. Don’t forget to invite the media. For ideas and resources, consult the Learn & Serve Challenge media toolkit.
Step 4: Plan your vision. Coordinate with program participants to decide the vision you have for the displays. Sketch out how you want the exhibit to look ahead of time.
Step 5: What’s the message? Make certain your participants are communicating a common message to legislators and the media. To calm any nerves, give them the opportunity to practice and refine their “pitch” so they feel better prepared.
Step 6: Register your Challenge activity! Don’t forget to let us know how your state or local community will participate in the National Learn & Serve Challenge.
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