Engaging Students in Service-learning and Civic Action

Giving Compass’ Take:

• Students begin volunteering by engaging in service-learning projects and participating in civic action issues.  

• What are some examples of student-led civic action? As a donor, how are you supporting youth-led movements? 

• Raed about how to advance civic participation among young people. 

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Anyone who has volunteered or been a part of a fundraiser knows that you get back so much more than what you give. And, while this applies to people of all ages, youth definitely benefit the most.

Today, many students begin volunteering or fundraising for charities at a young age, often teaming up with their schools, sports teams, or community organizations in order to support a charitable cause.

Service-learning programs educate students on a variety of social issues, while also developing skills in critical thinking, communication, leadership, and empathy.  Many programs encourage students to discuss issues that are important to them, and, as a team, engage in the issue through various activities. By connecting service to the classroom, students are able to reinforce their academic knowledge through real-life applications. It also allows young people to become aware of larger issues and begin making decisions on what they feel is important to them.

Student civic action is another form of service-learning, which highlights the organizational structures that surround charitable giving and philanthropy.  Engaging in philanthropy from an early age allows young people to learn what it takes to make a charity work. Students learn the struggles of gaining funding for a cause, efficient management practices, and of course, best practices of the sector as a whole.

Programs that center around civic engagement are excellent learning experiences and provide a variety of opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and gain life-skills. But, in my experience, the most important lesson students learn is that they can make a difference.

Service-learning and student philanthropy programs are an amazing way to engage a younger audience and set the foundations for a brighter future.

Read the full article about students engaging in civic action by Natasha Awari at Charity Navigator.