Ongoing+Service+Projects

**// 1:30 PM-3:00 PM //**

 * // Activities are planned and implemented for the school community to promote global awareness and appreciation. //**
 * // Conversation: What are the goals/priorities? What can we share? //**

Thoughts and Interests of the Group

 * preparation - action - reflection
 * making sure service is not just responsibility of Religion teacher
 * administrative piece is very important...giving guidance and direction
 * proper mindset...part of curriculum

Important Aspects of Service Projects

 * What did you learn?
 * How did you feel?

Thoughts and Ideas Discussed

 * "reflection" aspect of service needs more time and attention
 * don't want service to be all about giving money, collecting things...need to "touch" the people they are helping
 * having empathy and compassion piece //very// important
 * Saturday service projects...food bank, pick-up trash at the beach
 * "Chores for Children" to raise money for the needy
 * Thanksgiving baskets
 * developing a relationship with another school in need and have an on-going connection throughout the year
 * "accompaniment" is important....listening and walking the journey with the person you are serving...helping in the way that they need, not doing things //your// way
 * let students spread the word and encourage others
 * relationship with a nursing home...having elderly come to school to read with 1st graders...also inviting them to school play, etc.
 * making service projects more kid-driven than parent-driven
 * a "Service Day" where an entire day is spent doing service....there is a theme (ex. Hunger and Poverty or Environmental)...all grade levels do a different service project related to the theme
 * not giving hand-outs
 * realizing we are all connected...we are deeply inter-connected
 * responsibility to make even the youngest students "aware"
 * enabling faculty to all go as a group to do service work throughout the year

=Take Away Thought:=