Home

Activity Ideas Navigation
Tool Kit Home

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
Present Service-Learning at a Public Meeting
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
Organize a Service-Learning Showcase

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

Higher Ed
Suggested Activities For Higher Education Institutions

ORGANIZE A SERVICE-LEARNING SHOWCASE
Download Document

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.