Helping Youth Engage in Service

Steps to Plan a Service Activity

1. During a class or activity discuss the benefits of serving each other and the community. Share how giving service helps everyone learn to act in Christ's name, serve with His power, and bless with His love.
   
   
2. Brainstorm together: What is a local problem that we can help solve through service? 

   Ways to find local problems might include:

   • Search JustServe.org (if available in your area).
   • Ask each youth to share thoughts.
   • Talk to local nonprofits or NGO’s.
   • Ask questions of community members.
     
     
3. Discuss ideas on how to help.  These may include things like:
   • Raising resources to support the cause such as a food or clothing drive.
   • Providing a direct service such as tutoring a child, visiting the elderly, volunteering at a soup kitchen.
   • Organizing a service project like cleaning a park or packing hygiene kits.
     
     
4. Plan the project together with the youth
   • Set specific goals on what will be accomplished.
   • Identify what is needed to do the project, including which preparations need to be completed in advance and which will need to be done on the day of the project.
   • Make assignments and set deadlines.
   • Encourage youth to invite friends to join in the service activity. Doing service together helps build and strengthen friendships.
     
     
5. Implement the service activity
   • Spend time visiting with the volunteers and the individuals being served (if applicable).
   • Problem-solve as needed.
   • Take a lot of pictures.
   • Have fun.
     
     

6. Reflect and evaluate
   a. What went well?
   b. What was difficult?
   c. What did you learn?
   d. What difference did the project make?
   e. What would you do differently next time?