National Service-Learning Partnership Update

Dear Colleagues,
 
We are writing to update you on an important transition for the National Service-Learning Partnership (NSLP) and to invite you to remain connected both to its many other members and to the exciting work undertaken by leading practitioners in the field. We are joined in this announcement by FHI 360 (formerly the Academy for Educational Development), which served as the home and fiscal agent of the NSLP since 2001.
 
In February 2012, the NSLP successfully completed all of its programs, and suspended its operations. Founded in 2001, the NSLP has had a significant role in the service-learning field, bringing the community together as advocates dedicated to advancing service-learning as a core element of every young person’s education. Under the leadership of AED’s Betsey McGee, Kenny Holdsman, and most recently, Nelda Brown, the NSLP convened many diverse groups across the service-learning field, including engaging young people directly in meaningful ways. The NSLP secured funding for, and helped lead a collaborative advocacy effort called Service-Learning United that played a key role in developing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in 2009, garnering field-wide agreement for provisions that were advocated on Capitol Hill and within larger coalitions.
 
The NSLP, through its leadership of the National Learn and Serve Challenge, Emerging Leaders Initiative, Service-Learning Providers Network, and Service-Learning Young Professionals Network, expanded awareness and developed a diverse body of leaders for the service-learning field. At its height, the network consisted of more than 10,000 members in all 50 states. The varied membership of the NSLP included young people, teachers, parents, administrators, policymakers, education leaders, community partners, business professionals, and researchers.
 
As for the future, the NSLP Advisory Board is working with several service-learning organizations to continue the work started by the NSLP. Already, organizations are working together to develop and lead a common legislative agenda, to expand efforts to increase awareness of the power of service-learning, and to build champions so this engaged learning approach can reach more young people across the country.
 
Within a few months, the National Youth Leadership Council website (www.nylc.org) will post a summary piece that will highlight the accomplishments of the NSLP and provide additional information of interest to the field. We and others who have supported the work of the NSLP want to ensure that its contributions and leadership are able to be referenced moving forward, with links to historical documents, timelines, and to other organizations that will be working to continue select NSLP initiatives. During this interim period when the transition of websites and information is taking place, if you have any questions, please contact Kelita Bak at kbak@nylc.org.
 
In closing, the NSLP Advisory Board wants to offer its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nelda Brown for her leadership of the NSLP, and her incredible and tireless work to advance the service-learning field that spans nearly her entire career. She has taken a position in the private sector, and we wish her every success and fulfillment in all of her future endeavors. In addition, we want to acknowledge the leadership and organizational support provided by the AED team (now associated with FHI 360) throughout the years and in this important transition.
 
Sincerely,
 
The NSLP Advisory Board
Todd Clark, Chair
Kelita Bak
Marty Blank
Mike Brugh
Steve Culbertson
Maureen Curley
Wendy Doromal
Don Ernst
Lisa Frank
Nate Ivy
Elson Nash
Kathy Payne
Jim Toole
Wokie Weah
Madeline Yates