MAKE IT LAST FOREVER: THE ... - National Service Resource Center

importance of service to
students and educators to
reinforce the behavior. While
any member of the public is
welcome to support servicelearning,
support from
community leaders, legislators,
media representatives, civic
organizations, and parent and
family groups are particularly
important, particularly in order
to influence policy and funding
for service-learning.
Recognition: Beyond the pizza or ice cream
party, meaningful recognition
publicly highlights the
contributions made by students,
teachers, administrators,
schools, districts, and states.
This recognition can take the
form of awards and
ceremonies, certificates, media
exposure, incentives (e.g.,
conference presentations),
praise at board and civic
meetings, and other in-kind and
financial support.
FUNCTION #4: COLLABORATION
leads to increased volunteerism
in the schools, in-kind
donations, and funding to
support projects. Media
coverage also fosters pride
among students and spurs them
to continue to make a
difference in their town.
People appreciate being
thanked for their efforts, and
they may be more inclined to
further pursue leadership in
service because of the
recognition. Teachers are
likely to find new passion for
their profession, while
community members are
pleased that the schools are the
source of positive news.
Schools are likely to share what
they do with other schools
across the district, state, and
country.
they’re doing, and so they may
give up on projects after a
while.
Students and teachers may
quietly go about their business
of doing service projects, but
they will lack the positive
reinforcement for their efforts.
Schools may therefore not take
on the responsibility of
spreading the word.
STRATEGY DESCRIPTION WHEN IT’S THERE: WHEN IT’S NOT THERE:
Funding: Financial support can come
from local, state, and federal
public sources, as well as
private philanthropy, primarily
for personnel, materials, and
34
Service-learning coordinators
can be hired, supplies can be
purchased, and buses can be
regularly hired for off-site
projects.
A coordinator is not available,
so teachers rely on their
incredible resourcefulness,
which accesses the generosity
of parents, local businesses,