Community ServiceBy: Taylor Flythe

Service Learning• “method of teaching, learning

and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service, frequently youth service, throughout the community. As a teaching methodology, it falls under the philosophy of experiential education. More specifically, it integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and strengthen communities for the common good.”

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service-learning

Benefits of Service Learning• Benefits of Young People as Volunteers:• “The opportunity to expand their mission and reach without substantially

increasing costs by engaging a cadre of competent, motivated young people.”

• “New energy, ideas, and enthusiasm as well as specialized skills that young people can bring to the organization.”

• “Increased public support and visibility in the community as young people become ambassadors for the agency in their schools, homes, and other networks.”

• “New partnerships and resources.”• “A new generation of volunteers for their own organization or cause.”

Benefits of Service Learning Continued

• Benefits of Those Receiving Service, Community, and Society:

• “It meets real needs and priorities for individuals and communities, as young people bring new energy, capacity, and creative ideas.”

• “Community residents have opportunities to build positive relationships with young people.”

• “Communities see youth in a different way—as resources, not problems.”

• “A new generation of caring and experienced citizens, activists, and volunteers is cultivated.”

• www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/fact_sheets/cb_facts/benefits_cbosl

Personal Service Projects

•Coaching 9-10 year old Little League Baseball Team (Rangers)

•Relay for Life

Coaching

•The recreation department in Adel really needed another coach or they would have to cut out a team this year in the 9-10 year old league. Along with two friends, I agreed to help coach a team that no one else wanted to coach and helped turn them into a pretty good team.

Coaching Continued• Gathering our team up

before our first game.

Coaching Continued

Relay for Life

• The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in

communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled

cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of

people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or

running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at

all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to

24 hours in length.

• http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/whatisrelay#whatisrelay

My Feelings•To me, community service is one of the most

selfless things that a person could do. I like partaking in community service because I know that I am making a difference in my community and the people within it. I have learned that I especially like working with young children because I give them a positive outlook on things and I feel that I am a great role model. Making changes in peoples lives is more rewarding to me than I could ever explain.