
High impact service occurs when volunteers are fully invested in the project, when the experience positively affects both the volunteers and beneficiaries, and when the results last longer than the present. Every service project can achieve high impact service. Before the club starts on their next service project, have members incorporate 4 elements of thoughtful planning:
1. Self-discovery
A great way members can learn about themselves and what
project they can help with is to self-identify what abilities
they each offer the club. During a club meeting, focus on
personal reflection and discuss these questions as a club:
What skills have they mastered that they enjoy doing? What
skills do they still need to master to be successful later in life?
How might their strengths help the club achieve their goals?
How might the club strengthen skills not yet developed?
Check out this month’s K-Kids journal pages for worksheets
on self-discovery.
2. Personal observations
Members better understand why service needs exist when
they learn more about the world around them. Encourage
members to be more aware of their local area by talking
with their family members and fellow peers about what’s
happening in the world. What issues stand out to other
people? Why might they exist? What may help solve
them? Discussing current events as a club is also a great
way members can relate to what’s trending in the news
with their own community.
3. Community assessment
Community voice is essential to bring about change and
solve problems. Members should make sure the voice
and needs of the community are included in the
development of the service project. Interviewing
community or school leaders is a great way for members
to do this. They will not only get a clear idea of what
projects within their area need the most help, but get a
sense of how best to help.
4. Selection
Choosing a service project as a club with many members
is not always easy. That’s why it’s so important for
members to learn how to talk with one another respectfully
and decide which project is best for their club. Implementing
parliamentary procedure, having a series of presentations,
or hosting a debate are all great methods for members to
use to choose the service need that members want to do,
can do, and community will benefit most from.