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{{For|the album by The Crystal Method|Community Service (album)}}
{{For|the album by The Crystal Method|Community Service (album)}}
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'''[[Community]] service''' is a non-paying job performed by one person or a group of people for the benefit of the community or its institutions. Performing community service is not the same as [[volunteering]], since it is not always performed on a voluntary basis. It may be performed for a variety of reasons:
'''[[Community]] service''' is a non-paying job performed by one person or a group of people for the benefit of the community or its institutions. Community service is distinct from [[volunteering]], since it is not always performed on a voluntary basis. Personal benefits may be realized, but it may be performed for a variety of reasons including citizenship requirements, a substitution of criminal justice [[sanctions (law)|sanctions]], requirements of a school or class, and requisites for receipt of certain benefits.

== Background ==
[[Community]] service is a non-paying job performed by one person or a group of people for the benefit of the community or its institutions. Community service is distinct from [[volunteering]], since it is not always performed on a voluntary basis. It may be performed for a variety of reasons.
* It may be required by a government as a part of citizenship requirements, generally in lieu of military service.
* It may be required by a government as a part of citizenship requirements, generally in lieu of military service.
* It may be required as a substitution of, or in addition to, other criminal justice [[sanctions (law)|sanctions]] – when performed for this reason it may also be referred to as '''community payback'''.
* It may be required as a substitution of, or in addition to, other criminal justice [[sanctions (law)|sanctions]] – when performed for this reason it may also be referred to as '''community payback'''.
* It may be mandated by schools to meet the requirements of a class, such as in the case of [[service-learning]] or to meet the requirements of graduating as class valedictorian.
* It may be mandated by schools to meet the requirements of a class, such as in the case of [[service-learning]] or to meet the requirements of graduating as class valedictorian.
* In the UK, it has been made a condition of the receipt of certain benefits, including disability-related ones. {{dubious|date=October 2017}} (see [[Workfare in the United Kingdom]])
* In the UK, it has been made a condition of the receipt of certain benefits, including disability-related ones. {{dubious|date=October 2017}} (see [[Workfare in the United Kingdom]])
* In [[Sweden]] it's a [[suspended sentence]] called "samhällstjänst" ("society service").<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/2437379|title=Att undanröja villkorlig dom som förenats med samhällstjänst|publisher=Lund University|language=Swedish and English|author=Charlotta Hellberg|date=2012|accessdate=30 July 2016}}</ref>
* In [[Sweden]] it's a [[suspended sentence]] called "samhällstjänst" ("society service").<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/search/publication/2437379|title=Att undanröja villkorlig dom som förenats med samhällstjänst|author=Charlotta Hellberg|date=2012|publisher=Lund University|language=Swedish and English|accessdate=30 July 2016}}</ref>

== Reasons ==


==High school graduation and community work==
=== High school graduation and community work ===


Some educational jurisdictions in the United States require students to perform community service hours to graduate from [[high school]]. In some high schools in [[Washington (state)|Washington]], for example, students must finish 200 hours of community service to get a [[high school diploma|diploma]]. Some school districts in Washington, including [[Seattle Public Schools]], differentiate between community service and "service learning," requiring students to demonstrate that their work has contributed to their education.<ref>[http://www.seattleschools.org/area/gradreq/G10-00B.pdf High School Graduation Requirements Classes of 2008-Beyond], Seattle Public Schools, G10-00B, revised September 1, 2004</ref> If a student in high school is taking an [[Advancement Via Individual Determination|AVID]] course, community service is often needed. Whether American public schools could require volunteer hours for high school graduation was challenged in ''[[Immediato v. Rye Neck School District]]'', but the court found no violation.
Some educational jurisdictions in the United States require students to perform community service hours to graduate from [[high school]]. In some high schools in [[Washington (state)|Washington]], for example, students must finish 200 hours of community service to get a [[high school diploma|diploma]]. Some school districts in Washington, including [[Seattle Public Schools]], differentiate between community service and "service learning," requiring students to demonstrate that their work has contributed to their education.<ref>[http://www.seattleschools.org/area/gradreq/G10-00B.pdf High School Graduation Requirements Classes of 2008-Beyond], Seattle Public Schools, G10-00B, revised September 1, 2004</ref> If a student in high school is taking an [[Advancement Via Individual Determination|AVID]] course, community service is often needed. Whether American public schools could require volunteer hours for high school graduation was challenged in ''[[Immediato v. Rye Neck School District]]'', but the court found no violation.
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Many other high schools do not require community service hours for graduation, but still see an impressive number of students get involved in their community. For example, in [[Palo Alto, California]], students at [[Palo Alto High School]] log about 45,000 hours of community service every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://getinvolvedpaloalto.weebly.com|title=Get Involved Palo Alto|work=Get Involved Palo Alto|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> As a result, the school's College and Career Center awards about 250–300 students the [[President's Volunteer Service Award]] every year for their hard work.
Many other high schools do not require community service hours for graduation, but still see an impressive number of students get involved in their community. For example, in [[Palo Alto, California]], students at [[Palo Alto High School]] log about 45,000 hours of community service every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://getinvolvedpaloalto.weebly.com|title=Get Involved Palo Alto|work=Get Involved Palo Alto|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> As a result, the school's College and Career Center awards about 250–300 students the [[President's Volunteer Service Award]] every year for their hard work.


==Colleges==
=== Colleges ===


Though not technically considered a requirement, many colleges include community service as an unofficial requirement for acceptance. However, some colleges prefer work experience over community service, and some require that their students also continue community service for some specific number of hours to graduate. Some schools also offer unique “community service” courses, awarding credit to students who complete a certain number of community service hours. Some academic honor societies, along with some [[fraternities and sororities in North America]], require community service to [[Fraternities and sororities in North America#joining|join]] and others require each member to [[Fraternities and sororities in North America#Philanthropy|continue]] doing community service.
Though not technically considered a requirement, many colleges include community service as an unofficial requirement for acceptance. However, some colleges prefer work experience over community service, and some require that their students also continue community service for some specific number of hours to graduate. Some schools also offer unique “community service” courses, awarding credit to students who complete a certain number of community service hours. Some academic honor societies, along with some [[fraternities and sororities in North America]], require community service to [[Fraternities and sororities in North America#joining|join]] and others require each member to [[Fraternities and sororities in North America#Philanthropy|continue]] doing community service.
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Beginning in the 1980s, colleges began using service-learning as a pedagogy. A partnership of college presidents began in 1985 with the initiative of boosting community service in their colleges. This alliance called Campus Compact,<ref>{{cite web|title=Community Service Learning Program History|url=http://thestamp.umd.edu/leadership_community_service_learning/about_lcsl/history/program_history|website=Adele H. Stamp Student Union|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref> led the way for many other schools to adopt service-learning courses and activities.
Beginning in the 1980s, colleges began using service-learning as a pedagogy. A partnership of college presidents began in 1985 with the initiative of boosting community service in their colleges. This alliance called Campus Compact,<ref>{{cite web|title=Community Service Learning Program History|url=http://thestamp.umd.edu/leadership_community_service_learning/about_lcsl/history/program_history|website=Adele H. Stamp Student Union|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref> led the way for many other schools to adopt service-learning courses and activities.


Service-learning courses vary widely in time span, quality, and in the balance of “service” and “learning” stressed in the course. A typical service-learning course, however, has these factors in common:
Service-learning courses vary widely in time span, quality, and in the balance of “service” and “learning” stressed in the course. A typical service-learning course, however, has these factors in common:
* A ''service'' component where the student spends time serving in the community meeting actual needs
* A ''service'' component where the student spends time serving in the community meeting actual needs
* A ''learning'' component where students seek out or are taught information—often both interpersonal and academic—that they integrate into their service
* A ''learning'' component where students seek out or are taught information—often both interpersonal and academic—that they integrate into their service
* A ''reflection'' component that ties service and learning together
* A ''reflection'' component that ties service and learning together
Reflection is sometimes symbolized by the hyphen in the term “service-learning” to indicate that it has a central role in learning by serving.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Eyler|first1=Janet|title=Where's the Learning in Service-Learning?|date=1999|publisher=Jossey-Bass|location=San Francisco, CA|isbn=0-7879-4483-1|page=4|edition=First}}<!--|accessdate=16 September 2014--></ref> Reflection is simply a scheduled consideration of one’s own experiences and thoughts. This can take many forms, including journals, blogs, and discussions.
Reflection is sometimes symbolized by the hyphen in the term “service-learning” to indicate that it has a central role in learning by serving.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Eyler|first1=Janet|title=Where's the Learning in Service-Learning?|date=1999|publisher=Jossey-Bass|location=San Francisco, CA|isbn=0-7879-4483-1|page=4|edition=First}}<!--|accessdate=16 September 2014--></ref> Reflection is simply a scheduled consideration of one’s own experiences and thoughts. This can take many forms, including journals, blogs, and discussions.
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Community service learning strives to connect or re-connect students with serving their community after they finish their course.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Eyler|first1=Janet|title=Where's the Learning in Service-Learming?|date=1999|publisher=Jossey-Bass|location=San Francisco, CA|isbn=0-7879-4483-1|pages=46|edition=First}}<!--|accessdate=16 September 2014--></ref> It creates a bridge for the lack of community service found among college-age people in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|title=Economic News Release|url=http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.nr0.htm|website=Bureau of Labor Statistics|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref>
Community service learning strives to connect or re-connect students with serving their community after they finish their course.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Eyler|first1=Janet|title=Where's the Learning in Service-Learming?|date=1999|publisher=Jossey-Bass|location=San Francisco, CA|isbn=0-7879-4483-1|pages=46|edition=First}}<!--|accessdate=16 September 2014--></ref> It creates a bridge for the lack of community service found among college-age people in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|title=Economic News Release|url=http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.nr0.htm|website=Bureau of Labor Statistics|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref>


==Community service-learning==
=== Community service-learning ===
The one serving may be able to take something away from the experience and be able to use any newfound knowledge or interpersonal discoveries to improve their future servitude and the people around them. To gain the most from community service requires balancing learning with serving. Learning and serving at the same time improves a student's community while teaching life lessons and building character.
The one serving may be able to take something away from the experience and be able to use any newfound knowledge or interpersonal discoveries to improve their future servitude and the people around them. To gain the most from community service requires balancing learning with serving. Learning and serving at the same time improves a student's community while teaching life lessons and building character.


Community service-learning is “about leadership development as well as traditional information and skill acquisition.<ref>{{cite book|title=Where's the Learning in Service-Learning?|date=1999|publisher=Jossey-Bass|isbn=0-7879-4483-1|location=San Francisco, CA|page=10|last1=Eyler|first1=Janet}}<!--|accessdate=2015-06-21--></ref>” Therefore, the combination of people doing service and learning at the same time teaches them how to be effective and, more importantly, how to be effective about what is important to them. It improves their overall experience and application opportunities they gain from it. By adding service to learning, and balancing the two, community service can become more than just the simple act of serving. It takes small steps to create big change and this is what service-learning hopes to achieve. By being a classroom, a hands-on learning experience, and an opportunity to change the community, people are able to not only serve, but impact themselves as well.
Community service-learning is “about leadership development as well as traditional information and skill acquisition.<ref>{{cite book|title=Where's the Learning in Service-Learning?|last1=Eyler|first1=Janet|date=1999|publisher=Jossey-Bass|isbn=0-7879-4483-1|location=San Francisco, CA|page=10}}<!--|accessdate=2015-06-21--></ref>” Therefore, the combination of people doing service and learning at the same time teaches them how to be effective and, more importantly, how to be effective about what is important to them. It improves their overall experience and application opportunities they gain from it. By adding service to learning, and balancing the two, community service can become more than just the simple act of serving. It takes small steps to create big change and this is what service-learning hopes to achieve. By being a classroom, a hands-on learning experience, and an opportunity to change the community, people are able to not only serve, but impact themselves as well.


=== Community Service-Learning: Definition ===
==== Community Service-Learning definition ====
For community service-learning to be properly applied and understood, one must start with a good definition of service-learning. According to Fayetteville State University, “Service learning is a process of involving students in community service activities combined with facilitated means for applying the experience to their academic and personal development. It is a form of experiential education aimed at enhancing and enriching student learning in course material. When compared to other forms of experiential learning like internships and cooperative education, it is similar in that it is student-centered, hands-on and directly applicable to the curriculum.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uncfsu.edu/civic-engagement/service-learning/definition-of-service-learning|title=Definition of Service Learning|website=www.uncfsu.edu|access-date=2016-09-28}}</ref>
For community service-learning to be properly applied and understood, one must start with a good definition of service-learning. According to Fayetteville State University, “Service learning is a process of involving students in community service activities combined with facilitated means for applying the experience to their academic and personal development. It is a form of experiential education aimed at enhancing and enriching student learning in course material. When compared to other forms of experiential learning like internships and cooperative education, it is similar in that it is student-centered, hands-on and directly applicable to the curriculum.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uncfsu.edu/civic-engagement/service-learning/definition-of-service-learning|title=Definition of Service Learning|website=www.uncfsu.edu|access-date=2016-09-28}}</ref>


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From these definitions, we can come up with our own definition of Community Service-Learning: "A teaching method that takes what is taught in a classroom and equips the student to apply that knowledge in real world situations, while equipping them to take their place in the world, become better citizens, and to be active social and economic problem solvers."
From these definitions, we can come up with our own definition of Community Service-Learning: "A teaching method that takes what is taught in a classroom and equips the student to apply that knowledge in real world situations, while equipping them to take their place in the world, become better citizens, and to be active social and economic problem solvers."


== Court ordered service ==
=== Court ordered service ===
[[File:Community Service Work Detail for 35th District Court Northville Michigan.JPG|thumb|Community service work detail for 35th District Court, [[Northville, Michigan]]]]
[[File:Community Service Work Detail for 35th District Court Northville Michigan.JPG|thumb|Community service work detail for 35th District Court, [[Northville, Michigan]]]]
People convicted of crimes may be required to perform community services or to work for agencies in the sentencing jurisdiction either entirely or partially as a substitution of other [[judicial remedy|judicial remedies]] and [[sanctions (law)|sanctions]], such as [[incarceration]] or [[fine (penalty)|fines]]. For instance, a fine may be reduced in exchange for a prescribed number of hours of community service. The court may allow the convict to choose their community service, which must then be [[documentation|documented]] by "credible agencies," such as non-profit organizations, or may mandate a specific service.
People convicted of crimes may be required to perform community services or to work for agencies in the sentencing jurisdiction either entirely or partially as a substitution of other [[judicial remedy|judicial remedies]] and [[sanctions (law)|sanctions]], such as [[incarceration]] or [[fine (penalty)|fines]]. For instance, a fine may be reduced in exchange for a prescribed number of hours of community service. The court may allow the convict to choose their community service, which must then be [[documentation|documented]] by "credible agencies," such as non-profit organizations, or may mandate a specific service.
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Sometimes the sentencing is specifically targeted to the convict's crime, for example, a [[litter]]er may have to clean a park or roadside, or a drunk driver might appear before school groups to explain why drunk driving is a crime. Also, a sentence allowing for a broader choice may prohibit certain services that the offender would reasonably be expected to perform anyway; for example, a convicted [[lawyer]] might be specifically prohibited from counting ''[[pro bono]]'' legal service.
Sometimes the sentencing is specifically targeted to the convict's crime, for example, a [[litter]]er may have to clean a park or roadside, or a drunk driver might appear before school groups to explain why drunk driving is a crime. Also, a sentence allowing for a broader choice may prohibit certain services that the offender would reasonably be expected to perform anyway; for example, a convicted [[lawyer]] might be specifically prohibited from counting ''[[pro bono]]'' legal service.


==Corporate social responsibility==
=== Corporate social responsibility ===
Some employers involve their staff in some kind of community service programming, such as with the [[United Way of America]]. This may be completely voluntary or a condition of employment, or anything in between.
Some employers involve their staff in some kind of community service programming, such as with the [[United Way of America]]. This may be completely voluntary or a condition of employment, or anything in between.


In addition, approximately 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer [[volunteer grant]] programs where companies provide monetary donations to nonprofit organizations in recognition of their employee's volunteerism (Ex. $500 volunteer grant after 25 hours of community service).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.qgiv.com/blog/top-fundraising-consulting-firms/ |title=FAQ – Our database of corporate giving programs |publisher=Qgiv.com |date= |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref>
In addition, approximately 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer [[volunteer grant]] programs where companies provide monetary donations to nonprofit organizations in recognition of their employee's volunteerism (Ex. $500 volunteer grant after 25 hours of community service).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.qgiv.com/blog/top-fundraising-consulting-firms/ |title=FAQ – Our database of corporate giving programs |publisher=Qgiv.com |date= |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref>


==Worldwide examples==
=== Worldwide examples ===
Community service in the [[United States]] is often similar to that in [[Canada]]. In [[Europe]] and [[Australia]], community service is an option for many criminal sentences as an alternative to incarceration. In the [[United Kingdom]], community service is now officially referred to by the [[Home Office]] as more straightforward ''compulsory unpaid work''.<ref>[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080806122717/http%3A//www.noms.homeoffice.gov.uk/managing%2Doffenders/sentences/punishment/community%2Dsentences/ How we manage offenders], National Offender Management Service</ref> Compulsory unpaid work includes up to 300 hours of activities, such as conservation work, cleaning up graffiti, or working with a charity. The [[Howard League for Penal Reform]] (the world's oldest prison reform organization) is a prominent advocate for increased community sentencing to reduce prison population and improve rehabilitation.
Community service in the [[United States]] is often similar to that in [[Canada]]. In [[Europe]] and [[Australia]], community service is an option for many criminal sentences as an alternative to incarceration. In the [[United Kingdom]], community service is now officially referred to by the [[Home Office]] as more straightforward ''compulsory unpaid work''.<ref>[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080806122717/http%3A//www.noms.homeoffice.gov.uk/managing%2Doffenders/sentences/punishment/community%2Dsentences/ How we manage offenders], National Offender Management Service</ref> Compulsory unpaid work includes up to 300 hours of activities, such as conservation work, cleaning up graffiti, or working with a charity. The [[Howard League for Penal Reform]] (the world's oldest prison reform organization) is a prominent advocate for increased community sentencing to reduce prison population and improve rehabilitation.


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[[Florence Nightingale]] exercised the entrepreneurship trait of nursing to help improve the unstable conditions of hospitals during the mid 1800s. Her tasks compiled of planning ahead at what needed to be different and how she was going to attempt to change things for the better, acting upon the ideas she came up with, and finally leaving behind a notebook of ideas and recommendations to help the next generation prevent the same disaster of extremely high death rates from happening again. Not only did she organize fundraisers to raise money for the hospital and arrange more stable living conditions to improve the health of the soldiers in the hospital, but she also removed people who were lapsed at their job and delegated tasks to more capable people, sometimes having to do the work herself. She grew up with the desire to help people or anything that needed a hand. Her love for aid and service to others grew when she got older and despite her lack of support from her family she pursued her dream and sacrificed her life for other people. Her work is an epitome of community service. She wasn’t afraid to do the hard things if she knew it was going to make things better or as Niccolò Machiavelli puts it, “[T]here is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things…”<ref>{{cite book|last=Machiavelli|first=Niccolo|title=The Prince|date=1532}}</ref> Florence Nightingale is quoted as writing “The first thought I can remember, and the last was nursing work.” She served a specific group of people and benefited the public—which is community service.
[[Florence Nightingale]] exercised the entrepreneurship trait of nursing to help improve the unstable conditions of hospitals during the mid 1800s. Her tasks compiled of planning ahead at what needed to be different and how she was going to attempt to change things for the better, acting upon the ideas she came up with, and finally leaving behind a notebook of ideas and recommendations to help the next generation prevent the same disaster of extremely high death rates from happening again. Not only did she organize fundraisers to raise money for the hospital and arrange more stable living conditions to improve the health of the soldiers in the hospital, but she also removed people who were lapsed at their job and delegated tasks to more capable people, sometimes having to do the work herself. She grew up with the desire to help people or anything that needed a hand. Her love for aid and service to others grew when she got older and despite her lack of support from her family she pursued her dream and sacrificed her life for other people. Her work is an epitome of community service. She wasn’t afraid to do the hard things if she knew it was going to make things better or as Niccolò Machiavelli puts it, “[T]here is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things…”<ref>{{cite book|last=Machiavelli|first=Niccolo|title=The Prince|date=1532}}</ref> Florence Nightingale is quoted as writing “The first thought I can remember, and the last was nursing work.” She served a specific group of people and benefited the public—which is community service.


==Community service for institutions==
=== Community service for institutions ===


Many clubs and groups require service activities.
Many clubs and groups require service activities.


==Religious reasons for serving==
=== Religious reasons for serving ===


Beyond required community service, some religious groups emphasize serving one’s community. These groups and churches reach out by holding Vacation Bible Schools for children, hosting [[Red Cross]] blood drives, having fall carnivals, or offering free meals. Through these services, churches are able to benefit neighborhoods and families. Some churches create non-profit organizations that can help the public. Crisis pregnancy centers are often run by religious groups to promote pro-life values in local families. To meet impoverished people’s needs, some churches provide a food pantry or start a homeless shelter. Also, certain churches provide day care so that busy parents can work.
Beyond required community service, some religious groups emphasize serving one’s community. These groups and churches reach out by holding Vacation Bible Schools for children, hosting [[Red Cross]] blood drives, having fall carnivals, or offering free meals. Through these services, churches are able to benefit neighborhoods and families. Some churches create non-profit organizations that can help the public. Crisis pregnancy centers are often run by religious groups to promote pro-life values in local families. To meet impoverished people’s needs, some churches provide a food pantry or start a homeless shelter. Also, certain churches provide day care so that busy parents can work.


===Christian service===
==== Christian service ====
[[Christianity]], the foundation of thousands of service organizations, holds many strong beliefs about community service. Christians view serving in one’s church and community as a way of showing God’s unconditional love. According to the Christian Bible, 1 Peter 4:10–11 (NIV) says:
[[Christianity]], the foundation of thousands of service organizations, holds many strong beliefs about community service. Christians view serving in one’s church and community as a way of showing God’s unconditional love. According to the Christian Bible, 1 Peter 4:10–11 (NIV) says:


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These verses illustrate the act of meeting the needs of the community, while also acting with the Kingdom of Heaven in mind by encouraging spiritual growth in those individuals. Because Christians believe that all people are created in God's image, they believe that this means that they are a mortal representative of God to everyone they come in contact with. This adds meaning to everything that they do and say in the service of others. If they do not do their best to minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of others, they are not being good representatives of God's love.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}}
These verses illustrate the act of meeting the needs of the community, while also acting with the Kingdom of Heaven in mind by encouraging spiritual growth in those individuals. Because Christians believe that all people are created in God's image, they believe that this means that they are a mortal representative of God to everyone they come in contact with. This adds meaning to everything that they do and say in the service of others. If they do not do their best to minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of others, they are not being good representatives of God's love.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}}


====Examples of Christian community service====
====== Examples of Christian community service ======


Many well-known [[non-governmental]] (NGO) community service organizations were founded by Christians seeking to put their beliefs into practice. Three prominent examples are [[Samaritan's Purse]], [[Salvation Army]], and [[Habitat for Humanity]].
Many well-known [[non-governmental]] (NGO) community service organizations were founded by Christians seeking to put their beliefs into practice. Three prominent examples are [[Samaritan's Purse]], [[Salvation Army]], and [[Habitat for Humanity]].
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[[Samaritan's Purse]] was inspired by a prayer of evangelist [[Robert Pierce]], "Let my heart be broken for the things which break the heart of God."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/history/|title=History|work=Samaritan's Purse|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> After traveling through Asia and seeing first-hand the suffering of impoverished children, lepers, and orphans—in 1970, Pierce founded Samaritan's Purse. Today, Samaritan's Purse reaches millions of people across the globe by providing aid such as disaster relief, medical assistance, and child care. A notable Samaritan's Purse project is [[Operation Christmas Child]] headed by [[Franklin Graham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/|title=Operation Christmas Child|work=Samaritan's Purse|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>
[[Samaritan's Purse]] was inspired by a prayer of evangelist [[Robert Pierce]], "Let my heart be broken for the things which break the heart of God."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/history/|title=History|work=Samaritan's Purse|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> After traveling through Asia and seeing first-hand the suffering of impoverished children, lepers, and orphans—in 1970, Pierce founded Samaritan's Purse. Today, Samaritan's Purse reaches millions of people across the globe by providing aid such as disaster relief, medical assistance, and child care. A notable Samaritan's Purse project is [[Operation Christmas Child]] headed by [[Franklin Graham]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/|title=Operation Christmas Child|work=Samaritan's Purse|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>


The [[Salvation Army]] was founded by [[William Booth]] and his wife [[Catherine Booth]] in 1865. Booth was a [[Methodist]] minister and preacher on the streets of London. His tent meetings gathered crowds of drunkards, prostitutes and thieves<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/history-of-the-salvation-army|title=The Salvation Army - History of the Salvation Army|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> who eventually became the first "soldiers" in the army, which has grown to 1,442,388 members in 126 countries.<ref>[[The Salvation Army#cite note-stats-1]]</ref> The Salvation Army's motto is "Doing the Most Good" and does so by providing aid such as shelter, food, clothing, spiritual training and disaster relief.
The [[Salvation Army]] was founded by [[William Booth]] and his wife [[Catherine Booth]] in 1865. Booth was a [[Methodist]] minister and preacher on the streets of London. His tent meetings gathered crowds of drunkards, prostitutes and thieves<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/history-of-the-salvation-army|title=The Salvation Army – History of the Salvation Army|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> who eventually became the first "soldiers" in the army, which has grown to 1,442,388 members in 126 countries.<ref>[[The Salvation Army#cite note-stats-1]]</ref> The Salvation Army's motto is "Doing the Most Good" and does so by providing aid such as shelter, food, clothing, spiritual training and disaster relief.


[[Habitat for Humanity]] provides housing for people in need. Founded by [[Millard Fuller]], its vision is to "...put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope."<ref name="habitat.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.habitat.org/how/about_us.aspx|title=About Habitat for Humanity|work=Habitat for Humanity Int'l|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> Habitat for Humanity has built or repaired over 800,000 homes and served more than 4 million people worldwide since its creation in 1976.<ref name="habitat.org"/> They describe their vision as "...a world where everyone has a decent place to live."<ref name="habitat.org"/>
[[Habitat for Humanity]] provides housing for people in need. Founded by [[Millard Fuller]], its vision is to "...put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope."<ref name="habitat.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.habitat.org/how/about_us.aspx|title=About Habitat for Humanity|work=Habitat for Humanity Int'l|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> Habitat for Humanity has built or repaired over 800,000 homes and served more than 4 million people worldwide since its creation in 1976.<ref name="habitat.org" /> They describe their vision as "...a world where everyone has a decent place to live."<ref name="habitat.org" />


==Personal benefits of serving==
== Personal benefits of serving ==


Community service also allows those participating to reflect on the difference they are making in society. Some participants of a community service project may find themselves gaining a greater understanding of their roles in the community, as well as the impact of their contributions towards those in need of service. Because community service outlets vary, those who serve are exposed to many different kinds of people, environments, and situations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tilt.colostate.edu/sl/students/benefits.cfm|title=Students|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>
Community service also allows those participating to reflect on the difference they are making in society. Some participants of a community service project may find themselves gaining a greater understanding of their roles in the community, as well as the impact of their contributions towards those in need of service. Because community service outlets vary, those who serve are exposed to many different kinds of people, environments, and situations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tilt.colostate.edu/sl/students/benefits.cfm|title=Students|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>


With each new community service project, some participants may gain insightful experience in a variety of areas. Participants may also internalize the information that they found personally insightful for future use. While simply performing community service is valuable to the recipients, those serving often find it beneficial to pause and reflect on how they are changing society for the better. Schools often take students on community service projects so they can learn how their individual actions affect the well-being of the public. Participants may find that serving the public fosters a more solidified view of self and purpose.<ref name="Evidence of Service-Learning Benefits" >{{cite web|url=http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/service/benefits.html|title=Evidence of Service-Learning Benefits|work=Service Learning|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>
With each new community service project, some participants may gain insightful experience in a variety of areas. Participants may also internalize the information that they found personally insightful for future use. While simply performing community service is valuable to the recipients, those serving often find it beneficial to pause and reflect on how they are changing society for the better. Schools often take students on community service projects so they can learn how their individual actions affect the well-being of the public. Participants may find that serving the public fosters a more solidified view of self and purpose.<ref name="Evidence of Service-Learning Benefits">{{cite web|url=http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/service/benefits.html|title=Evidence of Service-Learning Benefits|work=Service Learning|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>


Those involved in community service learning may also find that after serving the community for an extended period of time, they have an advantage in real-world experience. Eventually, the skills and knowledge obtained while working with the community may be applied in future areas of work.<ref name="Evidence of Service-Learning Benefits" /> Community service may also increase a participant's social connectivity. Because most community service opportunities allow others to interact and work with other individuals, this service may help volunteers network and connect with others towards a common goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.black/benefits_of_participation_in_service|title=Welcome to the SiteMaker Transition Project|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>
Those involved in community service learning may also find that after serving the community for an extended period of time, they have an advantage in real-world experience. Eventually, the skills and knowledge obtained while working with the community may be applied in future areas of work.<ref name="Evidence of Service-Learning Benefits" /> Community service may also increase a participant's social connectivity. Because most community service opportunities allow others to interact and work with other individuals, this service may help volunteers network and connect with others towards a common goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.black/benefits_of_participation_in_service|title=Welcome to the SiteMaker Transition Project|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref>
Line 111: Line 116:
People gain the most from their community service projects when they volunteer their time to help people that they have never interacted with before. This direct contact allows people to see life from a different perspective and reevaluate their opinions of others. Many young people who get involved in community service come out with a more well-rounded worldview.
People gain the most from their community service projects when they volunteer their time to help people that they have never interacted with before. This direct contact allows people to see life from a different perspective and reevaluate their opinions of others. Many young people who get involved in community service come out with a more well-rounded worldview.


Another benefit in participating in community service is a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity. Appreciating other cultures and breaking down stereotypes is important to becoming a responsible citizen and better person. By participating in a community service project where interaction is required, personal relationships can begin to grow. These personal relationships help people have informal and consistent interactions that through time,often breakdown negative stereotypes. These relationships can also facilitate more opinions and viewpoints surrounding various topics that help participants to grow in diversity.<ref>"Where's The Learning in Service-Learning," Janet Eyler and Dwight E. Giles Jr., Jossey-Bass, 1999, Page 28</ref> Stereotypes can be defined as, "believing unfairly that all people or things with a specific characteristic are the same."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype|title=Stereotype - Definition of Stereotype by Merriam-Webster|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> Stereotypes often reveal themselves in quick judgments based solely off of visible characteristics. These judgments move into a biased opinion when you believe that these judgments are always true.<ref>"Why Stereotypes Are Bad and What You Can Do About Them, http://www.aauw.org/2014/08/13/why-stereotypes-are-bad/</ref> These stereotypes can be harmful to both personal relationships and relationships within the work place. Community Service helps people to realize that everyone does not fall into these preconceived ideas. Along with breaking down stereotypes, community service work can assist people in realizing that those they are helping and working with are no different from themselves.<ref>"Where's The Learning in Service-Learning," Janet Eyler and Dwight E. Giles Jr., Jossey-Bass, 1999, Page 31</ref> This realization can lead to empathizing with others. Learning to understand the needs and motivations of others, especially those who live different lives from our own, is an important part of living a productive life. This leads to a view of humanity that can help a person stay free of biased opinions of others and can lead to a more diverse and ultimately more productive and thought provoking life.<ref>"How Diversity Makes Us Smarter, http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter/</ref>
Another benefit in participating in community service is a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity. Appreciating other cultures and breaking down stereotypes is important to becoming a responsible citizen and better person. By participating in a community service project where interaction is required, personal relationships can begin to grow. These personal relationships help people have informal and consistent interactions that through time,often breakdown negative stereotypes. These relationships can also facilitate more opinions and viewpoints surrounding various topics that help participants to grow in diversity.<ref>"Where's The Learning in Service-Learning," Janet Eyler and Dwight E. Giles Jr., Jossey-Bass, 1999, Page 28</ref> Stereotypes can be defined as, "believing unfairly that all people or things with a specific characteristic are the same."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype|title=Stereotype – Definition of Stereotype by Merriam-Webster|publisher=|accessdate=19 February 2016}}</ref> Stereotypes often reveal themselves in quick judgments based solely off of visible characteristics. These judgments move into a biased opinion when you believe that these judgments are always true.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.aauw.org/2014/08/13/why-stereotypes-are-bad/|title=Why Stereotypes Are Bad and What You Can Do about Them|work=AAUW: Empowering Women Since 1881|access-date=2018-01-04|language=en-US}}</ref> These stereotypes can be harmful to both personal relationships and relationships within the work place. Community Service helps people to realize that everyone does not fall into these preconceived ideas. Along with breaking down stereotypes, community service work can assist people in realizing that those they are helping and working with are no different from themselves.<ref>"Where's The Learning in Service-Learning," Janet Eyler and Dwight E. Giles Jr., Jossey-Bass, 1999, Page 31</ref> This realization can lead to empathizing with others. Learning to understand the needs and motivations of others, especially those who live different lives from our own, is an important part of living a productive life. This leads to a view of humanity that can help a person stay free of biased opinions of others and can lead to a more diverse and ultimately more productive and thought provoking life.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Phillips|first=Katherine W.|title=How Diversity Works|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter/|journal=Scientific American|language=en|volume=311|issue=4|pages=42–47|doi=10.1038/scientificamerican1014-42}}</ref>


==Choosing the right strategy==
== Choosing the right strategy ==
As pointed out by [[de Tocqueville]], America, in sharp contrast with other developed countries, has had a formidable ability to form associations. Civilians have a unique desire and aptitude to organize themselves apart from government to address the needs in their communities. However, making sure an effort has a positive effect on society requires clear analysis and a strategy. Analysis identifies root causes of problems that project implementation must address. Individuals, like neighborhoods, enjoy permanent change only if it is an inner one—and the greatest form of community service is encouraging that inner change.
As pointed out by [[de Tocqueville]], America, in sharp contrast with other developed countries, has had a formidable ability to form associations. Civilians have a unique desire and aptitude to organize themselves apart from government to address the needs in their communities. However, making sure an effort has a positive effect on society requires clear analysis and a strategy. Analysis identifies root causes of problems that project implementation must address. Individuals, like neighborhoods, enjoy permanent change only if it is an inner one—and the greatest form of community service is encouraging that inner change.


[[Abraham Kuyper]] advocated ''[[sphere sovereignty]],'' which honors the independence and autonomy of the “intermediate bodies” in society, such as schools, press, business, the arts, etc. He champions the right of every community to operate its own organizations and manage its own groups, with the foundational belief that parents know what their child really needs, and that local people are more capable of helping fellow locals. Those who agree with his views perceive community service as a "trampoline" that seeks to launch their targets to better employment and lifestyle, avoiding what they see as destructive decision making for mal-established goals by poorly developed community service efforts.
[[Abraham Kuyper]] advocated ''[[sphere sovereignty]],'' which honors the independence and autonomy of the “intermediate bodies” in society, such as schools, press, business, the arts, etc. He champions the right of every community to operate its own organizations and manage its own groups, with the foundational belief that parents know what their child really needs, and that local people are more capable of helping fellow locals. Those who agree with his views perceive community service as a "trampoline" that seeks to launch their targets to better employment and lifestyle, avoiding what they see as destructive decision making for mal-established goals by poorly developed community service efforts.


Amy L. Sherman, in her book ''[https://www.amazon.com/Restorers-Hope-Community-Church-based-Ministries/dp/1592449913/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365212092&sr=8-1&keywords=restorers+of+hope Restorers of Hope]'', suggests that community service planning should be made with the valuable opinion of the local residents, since they have firsthand knowledge of the inside realities of their community's current state. Making them a part of the movement, change or project creates in the members of the community a sense of belonging and hope. Joint effort: relationships – these make the difference.
Amy L. Sherman, in her book ''Restorers of Hope'',<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/Restorers-Hope-Community-Church-based-Ministries/dp/1592449913/|title=Restorers of Hope: Reaching the Poor in Your Community with Church-Based Ministries that Work|last=Sherman|first=Amy L.|date=2004-11-04|publisher=Wipf & Stock Pub|isbn=9781592449910|edition=Reissue edition|location=Eugene, OR|language=English}}</ref> suggests that community service planning should be made with the valuable opinion of the local residents, since they have firsthand knowledge of the inside realities of their community's current state. Making them a part of the movement, change or project creates in the members of the community a sense of belonging and hope. Joint effort: relationships – these make the difference.


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
*[[Civil service]]
* [[Civil service]]
*[[Community project]]
* [[Community project]]
*[[Community building]]
* [[Community building]]
*[[Community development]]
* [[Community development]]
*[[Community economic development]]
* [[Community economic development]]
*[[Community practice]]
* [[Community practice]]
*[[Economic growth]], another job rationale
* [[Economic growth]], another job rationale
*[[Global Youth Service Day]]
* [[Global Youth Service Day]]
*[[International Volunteer Day]]
* [[International Volunteer Day]]
*[[International Year of Volunteers]]
* [[International Year of Volunteers]]
*[[Into The Open Economy]]
* [[Into The Open Economy]]
*[[Join Hands Day]]
* [[Join Hands Day]]
*[[List of community topics]]
* [[List of community topics]]
*[[List of volunteer awards|List of awards for volunteerism and community service]]
* [[List of volunteer awards|List of awards for volunteerism and community service]]
*[[USA Weekend#Make A Difference Day|Make A Difference Day]]
* [[USA Weekend#Make A Difference Day|Make A Difference Day]]
*[[Mandela Day]]
* [[Mandela Day]]
*[[Martin Luther King Jr. Day#King Day of Service|MLK Day of service]]
* [[Martin Luther King Jr. Day#King Day of Service|MLK Day of service]]
*[[Mitzvah Day International|Mitzvah Day]]
* [[Mitzvah Day International|Mitzvah Day]]
*[[Profit (economics)|Profit]], another job rationale
* [[Profit (economics)|Profit]], another job rationale
*[[Random Acts of Kindness Day]]
* [[Random Acts of Kindness Day]]
*[[Subbotnik]]
* [[Subbotnik]]
*The [[Howard League for Penal Reform]]
* The [[Howard League for Penal Reform]]
*[[Penal labour]]
* [[Penal labour]]
*[[Volunteer Centres Ireland]]
* [[Volunteer Centres Ireland]]
*[[Volunteer travel]]
* [[Volunteer travel]]
*[[Volunteering]]
* [[Volunteering]]
*[[Working Saturday]]
* [[Working Saturday]]
*[[World Kindness Day]]
* [[World Kindness Day]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


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* Perez, Shivaun, [http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/76 "Assessing Service Learning Using Pragmatic Principles of Education: A Texas Charter School Case Study"] (2000). Applied Research Projects. Texas State University. Paper 76.
* Perez, Shivaun, [http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/76 "Assessing Service Learning Using Pragmatic Principles of Education: A Texas Charter School Case Study"] (2000). Applied Research Projects. Texas State University. Paper 76.


{{DEFAULTSORT:Community Service}}
[[Category:Civil society]]
[[Category:Civil society]]
[[Category:Volunteering]]
[[Category:Volunteering]]

Revision as of 18:59, 4 January 2018

For the album by The Crystal Method, see Community Service (album).

Community service is a non-paying job performed by one person or a group of people for the benefit of the community or its institutions. Community service is distinct from volunteering, since it is not always performed on a voluntary basis. Personal benefits may be realized, but it may be performed for a variety of reasons including citizenship requirements, a substitution of criminal justice sanctions, requirements of a school or class, and requisites for receipt of certain benefits.

Background

Community service is a non-paying job performed by one person or a group of people for the benefit of the community or its institutions. Community service is distinct from volunteering, since it is not always performed on a voluntary basis. It may be performed for a variety of reasons.

  • It may be required by a government as a part of citizenship requirements, generally in lieu of military service.
  • It may be required as a substitution of, or in addition to, other criminal justice sanctions – when performed for this reason it may also be referred to as community payback.
  • It may be mandated by schools to meet the requirements of a class, such as in the case of service-learning or to meet the requirements of graduating as class valedictorian.
  • In the UK, it has been made a condition of the receipt of certain benefits, including disability-related ones. [dubious – discuss] (see Workfare in the United Kingdom)
  • In Sweden it's a suspended sentence called "samhällstjänst" ("society service").[1]

Reasons

High school graduation and community work

Some educational jurisdictions in the United States require students to perform community service hours to graduate from high school. In some high schools in Washington, for example, students must finish 200 hours of community service to get a diploma. Some school districts in Washington, including Seattle Public Schools, differentiate between community service and "service learning," requiring students to demonstrate that their work has contributed to their education.[2] If a student in high school is taking an AVID course, community service is often needed. Whether American public schools could require volunteer hours for high school graduation was challenged in Immediato v. Rye Neck School District, but the court found no violation.

Many other high schools do not require community service hours for graduation, but still see an impressive number of students get involved in their community. For example, in Palo Alto, California, students at Palo Alto High School log about 45,000 hours of community service every year.[3] As a result, the school's College and Career Center awards about 250–300 students the President's Volunteer Service Award every year for their hard work.

Colleges

Though not technically considered a requirement, many colleges include community service as an unofficial requirement for acceptance. However, some colleges prefer work experience over community service, and some require that their students also continue community service for some specific number of hours to graduate. Some schools also offer unique “community service” courses, awarding credit to students who complete a certain number of community service hours. Some academic honor societies, along with some fraternities and sororities in North America, require community service to join and others require each member to continue doing community service.

Many student organizations exist for the purpose of community service, the largest of which is Alpha Phi Omega. Community service projects are also done by sororities and fraternities.

Beginning in the 1980s, colleges began using service-learning as a pedagogy. A partnership of college presidents began in 1985 with the initiative of boosting community service in their colleges. This alliance called Campus Compact,[4] led the way for many other schools to adopt service-learning courses and activities.

Service-learning courses vary widely in time span, quality, and in the balance of “service” and “learning” stressed in the course. A typical service-learning course, however, has these factors in common:

  • A service component where the student spends time serving in the community meeting actual needs
  • A learning component where students seek out or are taught information—often both interpersonal and academic—that they integrate into their service
  • A reflection component that ties service and learning together

Reflection is sometimes symbolized by the hyphen in the term “service-learning” to indicate that it has a central role in learning by serving.[5] Reflection is simply a scheduled consideration of one’s own experiences and thoughts. This can take many forms, including journals, blogs, and discussions.

Service-learning courses present learning the material in context, meaning that students often learn effectively and tend to apply what was learned.[6] As the book Where’s the Learning in Service-Learning? notes, “Students engaged in service-learning are engaged in authentic situations; they get to know real people whose lives are affected by these issues… As a result, they have lots of questions—real questions that they want to have answered."[7] Thus, students are interested and motivated to learn the materials to resolve their questions.

Community service learning strives to connect or re-connect students with serving their community after they finish their course.[8] It creates a bridge for the lack of community service found among college-age people in the United States.[9]

Community service-learning

The one serving may be able to take something away from the experience and be able to use any newfound knowledge or interpersonal discoveries to improve their future servitude and the people around them. To gain the most from community service requires balancing learning with serving. Learning and serving at the same time improves a student's community while teaching life lessons and building character.

Community service-learning is “about leadership development as well as traditional information and skill acquisition.[10]” Therefore, the combination of people doing service and learning at the same time teaches them how to be effective and, more importantly, how to be effective about what is important to them. It improves their overall experience and application opportunities they gain from it. By adding service to learning, and balancing the two, community service can become more than just the simple act of serving. It takes small steps to create big change and this is what service-learning hopes to achieve. By being a classroom, a hands-on learning experience, and an opportunity to change the community, people are able to not only serve, but impact themselves as well.

Community Service-Learning definition

For community service-learning to be properly applied and understood, one must start with a good definition of service-learning. According to Fayetteville State University, “Service learning is a process of involving students in community service activities combined with facilitated means for applying the experience to their academic and personal development. It is a form of experiential education aimed at enhancing and enriching student learning in course material. When compared to other forms of experiential learning like internships and cooperative education, it is similar in that it is student-centered, hands-on and directly applicable to the curriculum.”[11]

Professor Freddy Cardoza defined Community Service-Learning as “Service learning is a Pedogogy (or a specific teaching-learning approach) that has few lectures, and is a more interactive hand's on educational strategy which provides students with instruction while leading them through meaningful community service experiences and engaging them in personal reflection on those experiences in order to build character and to teach problem-solving skills and civic responsibility.”[12][citation not found] Professor Cardoza stressed that it was important for a student take some time and reflect on what they are experiencing, seeing, doing, and what problems they are encountering and how they are going to apply what they have been learning to solve these problems. In other words, service-learning aims to link the personal and interpersonal development with cognitive development, as well as equipping the student with critical knowledge to help them understand the world.[13][citation not found]

Character.org defines Service-Learning this way: "Service learning is different than community service in several key ways. Service learning includes student leadership, reflective and academic components, and chances for celebration once the service activity has been successfully completed. Students reflect on community needs, ways to help, and once their service has been completed, they can internalise how their efforts have helped, while learning more about academics such as geography, math, or science."[14]

From these definitions, we can come up with our own definition of Community Service-Learning: "A teaching method that takes what is taught in a classroom and equips the student to apply that knowledge in real world situations, while equipping them to take their place in the world, become better citizens, and to be active social and economic problem solvers."

Court ordered service

Community service work detail for 35th District Court, Northville, Michigan

People convicted of crimes may be required to perform community services or to work for agencies in the sentencing jurisdiction either entirely or partially as a substitution of other judicial remedies and sanctions, such as incarceration or fines. For instance, a fine may be reduced in exchange for a prescribed number of hours of community service. The court may allow the convict to choose their community service, which must then be documented by "credible agencies," such as non-profit organizations, or may mandate a specific service.

Sometimes the sentencing is specifically targeted to the convict's crime, for example, a litterer may have to clean a park or roadside, or a drunk driver might appear before school groups to explain why drunk driving is a crime. Also, a sentence allowing for a broader choice may prohibit certain services that the offender would reasonably be expected to perform anyway; for example, a convicted lawyer might be specifically prohibited from counting pro bono legal service.

Corporate social responsibility

Some employers involve their staff in some kind of community service programming, such as with the United Way of America. This may be completely voluntary or a condition of employment, or anything in between.

In addition, approximately 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer volunteer grant programs where companies provide monetary donations to nonprofit organizations in recognition of their employee's volunteerism (Ex. $500 volunteer grant after 25 hours of community service).[15]

Worldwide examples

Community service in the United States is often similar to that in Canada. In Europe and Australia, community service is an option for many criminal sentences as an alternative to incarceration. In the United Kingdom, community service is now officially referred to by the Home Office as more straightforward compulsory unpaid work.[16] Compulsory unpaid work includes up to 300 hours of activities, such as conservation work, cleaning up graffiti, or working with a charity. The Howard League for Penal Reform (the world's oldest prison reform organization) is a prominent advocate for increased community sentencing to reduce prison population and improve rehabilitation.

Starting in 2010, Danish High School students receive a special diploma if they complete at least 20 hours of voluntary work.[17]

The International Baccalaureate program requires 50 hours of community service, together with a written reflection on the service performed, to fulfill the requirement of 150 hours of CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) and receive an IB Diploma.[18]

Florence Nightingale exercised the entrepreneurship trait of nursing to help improve the unstable conditions of hospitals during the mid 1800s. Her tasks compiled of planning ahead at what needed to be different and how she was going to attempt to change things for the better, acting upon the ideas she came up with, and finally leaving behind a notebook of ideas and recommendations to help the next generation prevent the same disaster of extremely high death rates from happening again. Not only did she organize fundraisers to raise money for the hospital and arrange more stable living conditions to improve the health of the soldiers in the hospital, but she also removed people who were lapsed at their job and delegated tasks to more capable people, sometimes having to do the work herself. She grew up with the desire to help people or anything that needed a hand. Her love for aid and service to others grew when she got older and despite her lack of support from her family she pursued her dream and sacrificed her life for other people. Her work is an epitome of community service. She wasn’t afraid to do the hard things if she knew it was going to make things better or as Niccolò Machiavelli puts it, “[T]here is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things…”[19] Florence Nightingale is quoted as writing “The first thought I can remember, and the last was nursing work.” She served a specific group of people and benefited the public—which is community service.

Community service for institutions

Many clubs and groups require service activities.

Religious reasons for serving

Beyond required community service, some religious groups emphasize serving one’s community. These groups and churches reach out by holding Vacation Bible Schools for children, hosting Red Cross blood drives, having fall carnivals, or offering free meals. Through these services, churches are able to benefit neighborhoods and families. Some churches create non-profit organizations that can help the public. Crisis pregnancy centers are often run by religious groups to promote pro-life values in local families. To meet impoverished people’s needs, some churches provide a food pantry or start a homeless shelter. Also, certain churches provide day care so that busy parents can work.

Christian service

Christianity, the foundation of thousands of service organizations, holds many strong beliefs about community service. Christians view serving in one’s church and community as a way of showing God’s unconditional love. According to the Christian Bible, 1 Peter 4:10–11 (NIV) says:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

These verses are the basis for Christian belief in outreach using one’s abilities, which they believe are given by God. According to Dr. Freddy Cardoza,[citation needed] a teacher at biblical Biola University, Christians are called to serve people because all people are made in God’s image. Christianity teaches that Jesus was a perfect example of serving during His time on earth. Jesus Christ healed the sick, fed thousands of people, and died for all mankind. Dedicated Christians see the importance of community service to show God’s love and to further spread the Gospel.

In addition, Christian belief states that they hold dual-citizenship, both in the kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of earth.[citation needed] They believe that they have a responsibility to live life to the full while on earth, reaching out to others and meeting their needs, but also live in such a way as to prepare for eternity spent in Heaven. This means that they should be invested in both kingdoms, and everything they do should incorporate this line of thinking. 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 (NIV translation of the Bible) says:

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else."

These verses illustrate the act of meeting the needs of the community, while also acting with the Kingdom of Heaven in mind by encouraging spiritual growth in those individuals. Because Christians believe that all people are created in God's image, they believe that this means that they are a mortal representative of God to everyone they come in contact with. This adds meaning to everything that they do and say in the service of others. If they do not do their best to minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of others, they are not being good representatives of God's love.[citation needed]

Examples of Christian community service

Many well-known non-governmental (NGO) community service organizations were founded by Christians seeking to put their beliefs into practice. Three prominent examples are Samaritan's Purse, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity.

Samaritan's Purse was inspired by a prayer of evangelist Robert Pierce, "Let my heart be broken for the things which break the heart of God."[20] After traveling through Asia and seeing first-hand the suffering of impoverished children, lepers, and orphans—in 1970, Pierce founded Samaritan's Purse. Today, Samaritan's Purse reaches millions of people across the globe by providing aid such as disaster relief, medical assistance, and child care. A notable Samaritan's Purse project is Operation Christmas Child headed by Franklin Graham.[21]

The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth and his wife Catherine Booth in 1865. Booth was a Methodist minister and preacher on the streets of London. His tent meetings gathered crowds of drunkards, prostitutes and thieves[22] who eventually became the first "soldiers" in the army, which has grown to 1,442,388 members in 126 countries.[23] The Salvation Army's motto is "Doing the Most Good" and does so by providing aid such as shelter, food, clothing, spiritual training and disaster relief.

Habitat for Humanity provides housing for people in need. Founded by Millard Fuller, its vision is to "...put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope."[24] Habitat for Humanity has built or repaired over 800,000 homes and served more than 4 million people worldwide since its creation in 1976.[24] They describe their vision as "...a world where everyone has a decent place to live."[24]

Personal benefits of serving

Community service also allows those participating to reflect on the difference they are making in society. Some participants of a community service project may find themselves gaining a greater understanding of their roles in the community, as well as the impact of their contributions towards those in need of service. Because community service outlets vary, those who serve are exposed to many different kinds of people, environments, and situations.[25]

With each new community service project, some participants may gain insightful experience in a variety of areas. Participants may also internalize the information that they found personally insightful for future use. While simply performing community service is valuable to the recipients, those serving often find it beneficial to pause and reflect on how they are changing society for the better. Schools often take students on community service projects so they can learn how their individual actions affect the well-being of the public. Participants may find that serving the public fosters a more solidified view of self and purpose.[26]

Those involved in community service learning may also find that after serving the community for an extended period of time, they have an advantage in real-world experience. Eventually, the skills and knowledge obtained while working with the community may be applied in future areas of work.[26] Community service may also increase a participant's social connectivity. Because most community service opportunities allow others to interact and work with other individuals, this service may help volunteers network and connect with others towards a common goal.[27]

People gain the most from their community service projects when they volunteer their time to help people that they have never interacted with before. This direct contact allows people to see life from a different perspective and reevaluate their opinions of others. Many young people who get involved in community service come out with a more well-rounded worldview.

Another benefit in participating in community service is a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity. Appreciating other cultures and breaking down stereotypes is important to becoming a responsible citizen and better person. By participating in a community service project where interaction is required, personal relationships can begin to grow. These personal relationships help people have informal and consistent interactions that through time,often breakdown negative stereotypes. These relationships can also facilitate more opinions and viewpoints surrounding various topics that help participants to grow in diversity.[28] Stereotypes can be defined as, "believing unfairly that all people or things with a specific characteristic are the same."[29] Stereotypes often reveal themselves in quick judgments based solely off of visible characteristics. These judgments move into a biased opinion when you believe that these judgments are always true.[30] These stereotypes can be harmful to both personal relationships and relationships within the work place. Community Service helps people to realize that everyone does not fall into these preconceived ideas. Along with breaking down stereotypes, community service work can assist people in realizing that those they are helping and working with are no different from themselves.[31] This realization can lead to empathizing with others. Learning to understand the needs and motivations of others, especially those who live different lives from our own, is an important part of living a productive life. This leads to a view of humanity that can help a person stay free of biased opinions of others and can lead to a more diverse and ultimately more productive and thought provoking life.[32]

Choosing the right strategy

As pointed out by de Tocqueville, America, in sharp contrast with other developed countries, has had a formidable ability to form associations. Civilians have a unique desire and aptitude to organize themselves apart from government to address the needs in their communities. However, making sure an effort has a positive effect on society requires clear analysis and a strategy. Analysis identifies root causes of problems that project implementation must address. Individuals, like neighborhoods, enjoy permanent change only if it is an inner one—and the greatest form of community service is encouraging that inner change.

Abraham Kuyper advocated sphere sovereignty, which honors the independence and autonomy of the “intermediate bodies” in society, such as schools, press, business, the arts, etc. He champions the right of every community to operate its own organizations and manage its own groups, with the foundational belief that parents know what their child really needs, and that local people are more capable of helping fellow locals. Those who agree with his views perceive community service as a "trampoline" that seeks to launch their targets to better employment and lifestyle, avoiding what they see as destructive decision making for mal-established goals by poorly developed community service efforts.

Amy L. Sherman, in her book Restorers of Hope,[33] suggests that community service planning should be made with the valuable opinion of the local residents, since they have firsthand knowledge of the inside realities of their community's current state. Making them a part of the movement, change or project creates in the members of the community a sense of belonging and hope. Joint effort: relationships – these make the difference.

See also

References

  1. ^ Charlotta Hellberg (2012). "Att undanröja villkorlig dom som förenats med samhällstjänst" (in Swedish and English). Lund University. Retrieved 30 July 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  2. ^ High School Graduation Requirements Classes of 2008-Beyond, Seattle Public Schools, G10-00B, revised September 1, 2004
  3. ^ "Get Involved Palo Alto". Get Involved Palo Alto. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  4. ^ "Community Service Learning Program History". Adele H. Stamp Student Union. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  5. ^ Eyler, Janet (1999). Where's the Learning in Service-Learning? (First ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. p. 4. ISBN 0-7879-4483-1.
  6. ^ Eyler, Janet (1999). Where's the Learning in Service-Learning? (First ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. p. 96. ISBN 0-7879-4483-1.
  7. ^ Eyler, Janet (1999). Where's the Learning in Service-Learning? (First ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. p. 86. ISBN 0-7879-4483-1.
  8. ^ Eyler, Janet (1999). Where's the Learning in Service-Learming? (First ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. p. 46. ISBN 0-7879-4483-1.
  9. ^ "Economic News Release". Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  10. ^ Eyler, Janet (1999). Where's the Learning in Service-Learning?. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. p. 10. ISBN 0-7879-4483-1.
  11. ^ "Definition of Service Learning". www.uncfsu.edu. Retrieved 2016-09-28.
  12. ^ "The Theology and Theory of Service Learning" Freddy Cardoza
  13. ^ "Introduction to Service Learning" Freddy Cardoza
  14. ^ "Service Learning". character.org. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  15. ^ "FAQ – Our database of corporate giving programs". Qgiv.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
  16. ^ How we manage offenders, National Offender Management Service
  17. ^ Students to get recognition for volunteer work, Danish Ministry of Education, January 8, 2010
  18. ^ Creativity, action, service (CAS), Diploma Programmer curriculum—core requirements, homepage of the International Baccalaureate Organization
  19. ^ Machiavelli, Niccolo (1532). The Prince.
  20. ^ "History". Samaritan's Purse. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  21. ^ "Operation Christmas Child". Samaritan's Purse. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  22. ^ "The Salvation Army – History of the Salvation Army". Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  23. ^ The Salvation Army#cite note-stats-1
  24. ^ a b c "About Habitat for Humanity". Habitat for Humanity Int'l. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  25. ^ "Students". Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  26. ^ a b "Evidence of Service-Learning Benefits". Service Learning. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  27. ^ "Welcome to the SiteMaker Transition Project". Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  28. ^ "Where's The Learning in Service-Learning," Janet Eyler and Dwight E. Giles Jr., Jossey-Bass, 1999, Page 28
  29. ^ "Stereotype – Definition of Stereotype by Merriam-Webster". Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  30. ^ "Why Stereotypes Are Bad and What You Can Do about Them". AAUW: Empowering Women Since 1881. Retrieved 2018-01-04.
  31. ^ "Where's The Learning in Service-Learning," Janet Eyler and Dwight E. Giles Jr., Jossey-Bass, 1999, Page 31
  32. ^ Phillips, Katherine W. "How Diversity Works". Scientific American. 311 (4): 42–47. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican1014-42.
  33. ^ Sherman, Amy L. (2004-11-04). Restorers of Hope: Reaching the Poor in Your Community with Church-Based Ministries that Work (Reissue edition ed.). Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Pub. ISBN 9781592449910. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)

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