Learn and Serve America's National Service-Learning Clearinghouse

The creation of an informed citizenry, able to participate in our democratic institutions, has always been a primary goal of America's schools. Achieving that goal requires that our schools become places where our students can acquire the habits of civic participation, responsibility, and service that are essential to American democratic life. For this to occur, students must learn about our democratic institutions. They must also learn to see themselves as participants in our democracy. They need to be able to put their knowledge and ideas into practice by helping to solve real community problems alongside other community members. In recent years, educators have become more conscious of the importance of these kinds of activities for both their students and the communities in which they live. Some school systems have established volunteer service as a requirement for graduation. Others have tried to integrate community service more closely into their curricula, a practice known as "service-learning." Whatever the means used to foster it, service must be encouraged if we are to become the Nation of "citizens, not spectators." Service can be undertaken by individuals or groups, in school or after school, and by younger and older students alike. This guide, SISTA, offers parents, teachers, and other adults who work with children resources for helping young people develop habits of service. Young people will learn about their rich democratic traditions as Americans, help meet vital community needs, and become responsible and engaged citizens. Contents: Fostering a Culture of Service, Citizenship, and Responsibility / The President's Call to Service / The USA Initiative / Examples of Student Projects Already Part of the USA Initiative / Bringing Service to the Classroom / Developing Habits of Service / Hallmarks of Effective Service Programs / Ten Steps for Bringing Service to Your Classroom / About Service-Learning / What Is Service-Learning? Benefits of Student Service and Service-Learning / Examples of Service-Learning in Action / Tools and Resources / In Schools / Outside the Classroom / Recognition Programs / Conclusion.