Experiential Learning

Community Involvement

August 27, 2020

Community service is a volunteer role performed by one or more people to improve the lives of others, make the community a better place to live or care for our world.

Community Involvement

What does it look like?

Community involvement is typically a non-paying job performed by one or more people to benefit community (as opposed to family) individuals, groups, or institutions. It is usually voluntary and it typically addresses a need and provides a service that otherwise is not being addressed. It may be identified and implemented by a student, educator, or community partner in response to a perceived need.

Benefits

Students and Families

Expands experience and contacts
Develops future-ready skills and explore interests
Contributes to community and others
Develops a sense of purpose and meaning

Employers and Community

Engages more contributors in community endeavours
Raises community awareness and may encourage advocacy and agency
Promotes organization or cause as an ally and supporter of/by youth
Builds a resource base of potential participants and supporters

Educators

Encourages civic mindedness and may contribute to development of student social/emotional skills as well as learning skills/work habits
May link to curricular learning outcomes and student passions

Considerations

Students and Families

This may include experiences beyond community involvement hours
This may involve opportunities that you are already interested in or some that you would like to explore

Employers and Community

Providers of community service opportunities will need to consider the appropriateness and accessibility for some students to participate
Liaison with parents/guardians and protocols for ensuring safety and security of participants may be important especially where students are under 18