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Incorporating reflection and celebration

Why that's important

Service accompanied by reflection is even more powerful. An important component of service-learning, reflection is a structured opportunity to think critically about experiences through:

  • Discussion
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Projects

Encourage youth volunteers to reflect on their service throughout the project—not just at the end. Reflection helps young people learn more about themselves, and gives you clues about what's working and what needs improving in your program. See the Tools section for reflection guides.

Make reflection part of your celebration activities. For example, participants can read from journals or "open letters" about their service experience or events can feature "best of times/worst of times" components. Recognizing the contributions of your volunteers—both youth and adults—helps motivate them and strengthens the bond between volunteers and your program. Recognition events can also be a public relations and community awareness opportunity.

The voice of experience…

"Youth really did take ownership of their program [last year]. I was able to be hands-off with them. Some of the projects didn't go so well, but that's okay—that's what the reflection process is for."
—Leslie Wade, Camp Fire USA-Midlands Council, Omaha, Nebraska

Celebrate youth contributions at family and public events; parties to mark progress in your project; or special field trips. Honoring volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Awards fosters pride of accomplishment, especially in the presence of families, congregations, and other community members. Recognition can also come in the form of certificates, thank you letters, or gifts donated by local businesses. The Kids Care Clubs in Bridgeport, Connecticut, give citizenship awards to all participants, and graduating participants get a small gift in addition to a framed certificate.

Other suggestions from the Points of Light and Hands-On Network include:

  • Recognize a "Volunteer of the Month" in your newsletter or on your Web site
  • Create a yearbook or display showcasing volunteer contributions
  • Ask local radio or television stations to run a series that recognizes a different volunteer during each day of National Volunteer Week (in late April)

If you partner with local schools, young volunteers may be recognized at a school assembly and/or receive extra credit in their courses. In fact, many high schools now require students to perform community service for graduation.

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