Service-Learning Australia

Perhaps the most critical thing to remember when starting to plan a celebration is the importance of student direction in service-learning, so encourage students to do as much of the organizing as possible.

What do we want to achieve?

The celebration is not just a presentation of certificates while sharing a pizza; it is a meaningful demonstration of what students and their community partners have achieved through service-learning.   You and your students need to decide the appropriate balance of celebration and demonstration activities at the recognition event.

At the start of the project, there were:

• Clearly defined service goals:  Consider how the achievement of these goals will be demonstrated and celebrated.
• Clearly defined academic and other learning goals:  Consider how the achievement of these goals will be demonstrated and celebrated.

Who will be invited?

Celebration events should focus on demonstrating what was achieved during service-learning and recognizing those who participated.  Involve students as much as possible in planning the event, which does not have to be expensive or elaborate.  Consider inviting teachers, parents, community members,  government representatives, local business leaders and the media. 

How will they be recognized?

Anyone who had a role in the project should be recognized for the part they played.  You and your students should think about the most appropriate recognition for each group and individual.  Some groups (for example, the aged), might appreciate a morning tea or lunch prepared by students.  For others, it will be public recognition – an article in a newspaper, recognition on a web site, or a display in the local library.  Other contributors could be nominated for an award, or your school might instigate an “Outstanding Service-Learning Partner” award.  Students might be recognized by being asked to address a meeting of the local service club, the Parents and Citizens Association, or next year’s group of service-learning students.   While recognition is important, it is also important to strike a balance, and not to “over-recognise”.

Over-recognising/under-recognising.

Sometimes it takes young people time to appreciate and settle into their service role, particularly if this kind of activity is outside their experience and the experience of their family and friends.   With perserverence, service-learning can give such students the opportunity to perform well above usual expectations.  However, to give equal “weight” to everyone’s contribution would not recognize outstanding dedication and high standards.  You need to be mindful about over-recognising or under-recognising contributions made.

• Select a time that will make it convenient for project participants, especially parents and community partners to attend.
• Plan the program: decide the scope and who should attend. Make it fun.
• Decide who will be invited – if appropriate, you might invite government representatives to learn about your program, and of course, the media.
• Issue formal invitations where necessary.
• If presenting awards, decide who will make the award presentations.
• Decide what type of recognition you wish to give – your own certificates or small items.
• Determine how many people will be acknowledged and how they will be chosen.
• If necessary, develop a small budget or list of items needed for your event.
• Decide whether you will serve refreshments: consider how they can be paid for, and who will be in charge.
• Write up a brief description of the service-learning project, the impact on the students and on their community – this description can be used at the ceremony and for any media.
• Organise someone to take photos and note the names of those being taken.
• Make sure proper releases have been signed, so you can provide pictures to the media as well as uploading them to your school web site and putting them in the school newsletter (and - email one to us so we can put it on this web site!)
• Enjoy the celebration!

This sample letter to a government representative can be modified for members of the press, etc. (In the spirit of service-learning, you might consider involving your students in the writing of a letter.)

This project summary template for you to send to government representatives, the media, etc.  As you realize, we love to hear about your projects, and therefore ask you to also email a copy of your project summary to: margaret.richmond@servicelearning.org.au.