Social Action & Service Learning

Service Learning

New and Recommended Resources!

We know that children and youth grow in faith by putting their faith into action. And we see how most children and youth have the impulse to help and serve others in the communities around them. But we also know that some social action or service learning projects work better than others. Sometimes these endeavors reinforce our inter-connectedness with the people and communities we are supporting; at other times the work seems to reinforce division, despite shared and heartfelt compassion. In October 2006, Teaching Tolerance produced a series of reflections and resources that name these struggles and guide future work. We recommend the entire set and are highlighting only a few sections below.

• What is service learning?
• Elements of multi-cultural service learning
• Service-Learning Resources: Early Grades
• Service-Learning Resources: Middle and Upper Grades
• Make a Difference Day, reflection by Parenting Columnist, Dana Williams
  “Finding opportunities to contribute can be valuable not just for children, but for the entire family. When we find ways to partner with those we aim to help, we can bridge gaps between people and communities often separated by distance, socioeconomics and access.”

Kids and Social Action

Idealist Site!

Check this out! What a wonderful site with very good links to help make social action visioning and planning move forward. Appropriate for adults, youth or kids, we recommend it.

• Organizations started by Kids
  This section offers an inspiring list of kid-run or kid-initiated efforts
• Take the Lead
  This section provides step-by-step guidance for going from having a good idea to working for social change. It also has excellent links to additional resources.
• Actions without Borders
  This section provides a truly incredible resource of links to some of the best sites. Take a look at those under the category of the environment!