Resources
Five Critical Elements of Meaningful Community Service
To be effective and respectful in the community, it is important to incorporate the following five elements into any community service project.
Community Voice
Any community service project should make sure that the voice and needs
of the community are included in the development of the project(s). The
community (typically represented by agencies, schools, neighborhood
groups, etc.) should define what they need done as opposed to participants
defining it for them. Community voice is essential if we are to build bridges,
make changes, and solve problems.
Orientation & Training
Information should be provided for volunteers about the community, the
issue, and the agency or community group they are to work with. This
information should be what the students need to act effectively and
appropriately at their service site.
Meaningful Action
Meaningful action means that the service being done is necessary and
valuable to the community itself. Meaningful action also makes people feel
like what they did made a difference in a measurable way and that their time
was utilized well. Without this, people will not want to continue their service
despite the other four elements.
Reflection
Immediately after the service experience, participants should discuss
reactions, personal stories, feelings, and facts about the issues. This may
dispel any stereotypes about the group served, or address any individual’s
alienation from service. Reflection should also be used as an opportunity to
place the experience into a broader context.
Evaluation
Evaluation measures the impact of the participants’ experience and the
effectiveness of the service in the community. Service participants should
evaluate what they have learned or have experienced as a result of their
work, and agencies should evaluate the results of the participants’
contribution of time and effort. Evaluation gives direction for improvement,
growth and change of future service efforts.
(Source: Into the Streets Organizing Manual, Campus Outreach Opportunity League (COOL), 1999)
