Why the World Forum is a Vital Aspect of the National Service-Learning Conference

Service-learning, when done well, has tremendous capacity to strengthen the understanding and common bonds between diverse peoples. This is true within our schools, among peers, as well as when that service-learning effort takes on a global issue. In Minnesota we have seen an explosion of language immersion programs, including full-immersion schools in German, French, Spanish and Mandarin. Their success is a testament to the public’s understanding that our children live in an ever more connected world, and having the capacity to communicate in multiple languages provides great opportunities. Learning another language allows for a greater understanding and expanded ability to engage with the planet’s cultural diversity. As we expand our capacity to communicate, we also need to build our capacity to work together in right relationships. Working together does not ensure just or effective relationships; there are numerous instances where global outreach have resulted in some very concerning outcomes. This is one reason why effective service-learning efforts has such a vital role to play in today’s schools.

There is a 19th century French phrase from Sabastien Roch Nicolas Chamfort that translates something similar to, “Be my brother or I will bash your head in.” This view of international engagement is extreme yet, to my thinking, all too common. I wish to be your brother, serve you, fix you, share with you; but if I think you refuse my “kindness,” well then you leave me no choice... My hope for service-learning in an international context is that it allows for meaningful contact, understanding, engagement in shared ownership of issues, and their solutions. Shared ownership greatly benefits from the act of meeting face-to-face, getting to know one another, and coming to terms with how we are linked and have shared interests.

The upcoming World Forum at the National Service Learning Conference is an opportunity to convene people with shared interests in youth leadership, quality learning, international service, and international relationships – in fact, many who will be attending make this their lifework. 

It is exciting to know that this year we have travelers coming from Qatar, Brazil, Taiwan, Singapore, Nigeria, India, Liberia, among other nations. These travelers are excited to meet, learn, and share their ideas. After finding out she was coming to the conference, one youth traveling from Brazil said, “This will be a really unique opportunity. There will be so many interesting people with good ideas for this world... I`m so happy!” Another youth from Qatar celebrated by saying, “Yaaaaaaay! Can't wait.... it's going to be the best trip ever.” They are joining us to celebrate, to network, to learn, and to organize in a manner that will allow their passion to make a positive difference in the world. Their work as global leaders will be informed by those they meet, those who can share and liberally take new ideas from one another. I am very hopeful that these world travelers will discover a large number of us joining them at the World Forum. I hope that they discover in Minnesota a group of people that see the opportunity that his conference provides them, a chance to build new international bridges. I hope on April 11th I will see you there.