Effective Community Service

Community Voice

The voice and needs of the community must be included in the development of the community service program. No program can succeed without it.

Orientation and Training

These are the necessary tools given to students so they can accomplish their goals. Information should be provided for student volunteers about the community issue, and the agency or community group.

Meaningful Action

This means that the activity is necessary and valuable to the community itself. Meaningful action also allows volunteers to feel like what they did made a difference in a measurable way and that their time was utilized well. Without this, volunteers may not want to continue their service.

Reflection

Through reflection, lessons can be drawn from the experience that will aid future work. It places the experience into a broader context

Evaluation

These are the necessary tools given to students so they can accomplish their goals. Information should be provided for student volunteers about the community issue, and the agency or community group.