National Service-Learning Conference Highlights Youths as Resources for Recovery

In the wake of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the Asian tsunami, and September 11, a demanding question faces the service-learning movement: What is the role of service-learning in responding to disasters? The 17th Annual National Service-Learning Conference addressed that question through a series of workshops.

In the wake of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the Asian tsunami, andSeptember 11, a demanding question faces the service-learning movement: What is the role of service-learning in responding to disasters? The 17th Annual National Service-Learning Conference addressed that question through a series of 14 workshops on emergency preparedness and response. The workshops were a pivotal forum for sharing ideas, coordinating responses, identifying best practices, and providing support to affected communities.

NYLC President and CEO Jim Kielsmeier hosted a featured session as part of NYLC’s Resources for Recovery initiative, which connects those using service-learning to mobilize young people for disaster relief and preparedness. This workshop highlighted the efforts of young people, including:

• Youth Organized for Disaster Action (Y.O.D.A), a regional project of the Philadelphia-based Institute for Global Education and Service-Learning that helps young people prepare their families, schools, and communities for unexpected emergencies and disasters
• New York’s Common Cents Penny Harvest, which raised thousands of dollars for hurricane relief
• Florida’s The ManaTEEN Club, a youth-led volunteer initiative of Volunteer Services of Manatee (Fla.) County with morethan 13,000 members, including more than 300 with Community Emergency Response Team certification.

Attendees of the session worked in breakout groups to reflect on three key questions regarding the use service-learning for disaster relief and preparedness: How do young people respond? How can this be a significant teaching moment? How can we be prepared and anticipate when the next disaster happens? Participants then reconvened to share their ideas.

NYLC also used the conference to announce a key component of Resources for Recovery, the Gulf Coast WalkAbout. The service-learning-based summer-school curriculum will be implemented at five Gulf region sites this summer. Students in grades 5-8 will be engaged service-learning projects, helping rebuild their communities as they also strengthen their academic skills.

During the past year, young people have made an unprecedented commitment to disaster sites. Service-learning can be an effective toolfor addressing emergency preparedness and recovery, and helping young people across the globe to reach out to each other, not only for disaster relief but to look toward the future in preparedness.