Deepening the connection between service activities and civic involvement
Abstract
Providing opportunities for greater civic involvement can take volunteers to the next level of service. This effective practice, submitted by Hands On Network in April 2007, offers five suggestions for directors as they seek to incorporate this dimension into their program.Issue
Programs often face the challenge of identifying ways to take volunteers beyond service to true civic participation.Action
Program directors should challenge themselves to find new ways to deepen the connection between volunteer service activities and greater civic involvement. Some ideas include:
Create a Bill of Responsibilities
Pass out copies of the Bill of Rights to your volunteers. Lead them in a discussion about the Bill of Rights by asking questions about its contents, promises, and significance. After you have discussed citizen rights, generate a discussion about citizen responsibilities. Then ask volunteers to draft either an individual or group Bill of Responsibilities. To debrief the activity ask volunteers what they learned, what is significant about what they learned, and how they can apply what they have learned as they serve.
Highlight Citizen Problem Solving Activities
Have volunteers scour media sources and report stories they find about creative ways citizens and communities are taking action to solve public problems. When your volunteers come together ask them to share stories they have found. In addition to local news outlets, members might look to sources such as Do Something (website) and YES Magazine. Both of these resources highlight organizations and individuals that are working to strengthen communities. Sharing these stories can give volunteers ideas, inspiration, and information about community resources.
Invite Guest Speakers
Inspire your volunteers to be inspired by the good works of others. Try locating speakers through local service clubs, volunteer centers, and government offices.
Organize Study Circles
Compile a list of articles and books about civic involvement and facilitate a discussion group among your volunteers. Visit www.studycircles.org for guidance on how to create a study circle.
Tell Civic Stories
Provide volunteers with an opportunity to tell the story of their civic involvement — through words, performance, and visual art. Help volunteers find creative ways to display and share their stories. For example, create a documentary, display their work in a gallery or compile a book of stories.
Context
Hands On Network is a Corporation for National and Community Service training and technical assistance provider. Through training and technical assistance, Hands On brings extensive expertise in leveraging volunteers to national service programs.Posted On
April 3, 2007For More Information