My Community Service

My Service LearningBy Jennifer RiveraWhat is Service Learning?Service Learning is a credit-bearing, educational experience in which students:1.Participate in an organized service activity that meets identified on and off campus community needs and2. reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility (Committee Minutes, 2011)http://www2.byui.edu/ServiceLearning/subpages/fgdefinition.htm What Are The Benefits of Service Learning?Develops research, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.Provides understanding of how to access the larger community as a resource for skill-building and learning.Helps students identify multiple stakeholders and their interests and to see multiple viewpointsAllows interaction with diverse populationsProvides career experienceEngages students in community problem solving at local, national, and international levelsAllows for commitment and service to the community.

Volunteering at South Georgia Regional Library

What to do in a Library?The Valdosta Lowndes County Library welcomes volunteers from 12 years old and up and are happy to have them from 5 minutes to 5 hours .They offer service learning with shelving, helping patrons use the computers, doing genealogy research, telling stories at story time, helping with special programs, or helping take care of the plants. Contact Debbie Altobello @ 229-333-0086.

I began my work in the Fiction section.

I helped shelve books that had been turned in.

I put my knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System to use for much needed organizing.

The books are ordered first, by number, then by title.

Precariously leaning books must also be straightened.What Did I Get Out of My Service Learning?This opportunity gave me the chance to give back to my local community, meet new people, and have fun. As a college student, it was also valuable to me to learn the inter-workings of the Dewey Decimal System. I left with a new skill, having been productive, and feeling appreciated.

The End