Reflection Journal Authors Bring King’s Teachings to Service-Learning
Those who attended the 2011 National Service-Learning Conference in Atlanta, Ga. in April returned home with a gift: the recently published Tough Minds and Tender Hearts: Building Martin Luther King’s “Beloved Community” Through Service-Learning. The reflection journal ties King’s teachings to service-learning through a series of reflection questions that follow each chapter.
For Wisconsin-based authors Jane Hammatt Kavaloski and Vincent Kavaloski, King’s sermon on “Tough Minds and Tender Hearts” illustrates the strength of service-learning — the importance of gathering the skills and knowledge to address a community need coupled with an empathic connection to the need.
Philosophy professor Vincent had been captivated by King’s life beyond the civil rights movement, his interests in global issues, anti-war sentiments, and anti-materialism. He had been intrigued by King’s speech that includes the memorable line, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve,” and wondered what was behind it.
As he dug into the context for the speech, Vincent came to realize that King was “very practical,” and recognized the American need for recognition. He understood that this “drum major instinct,” when used for the common good, could be as effective as Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on selflessness.
Says Jane, these differences of approach illustrate the difference between Western and Eastern thought. And, for her, the mind and heart balance is critical when delving into issues of equity. “The heart re-directs the anger that comes with critical analysis of social injustices into nonviolent action,” she says.
Though King’s work predates the term “service-learning” he “pointed in that direction,” says Jane, with his emphasis on this sort of holistic education.
The 50+-page journal, through 11 short chapters, highlights King’s seminal works. Reflection questions following each chapter provide opportunities to return to the text for closer interpretation, and then to apply King’s ideas to their service-learning experiences. The book is not only appropriate for high school-and college-age students, but also for teachers and those working in community-based settings as it offers a “curriculum” for service experiences outside of school.
