Service-learning matters! It has been shown to increase engagement and application of critical thinking skills to real-world issues. I've had the pleasure of partnering with Need in Deed for 3 years now and am exciting to see what this year brings!

Need in Deed is an organization that provides a framework for service-learning with a goal of guiding students toward a project that fills a real community need. Students research the social issue they feel most relevant to the community and then come up with ways to address it. Throughout the research, students receive visits from community partners, may go on field trips, and conduct surveys. In years past, my students' projects have included building a community garden in the school courtyard, adding flowers to the courtyard as a memorial garden for family members who died from gun violence, and writing informational books on drug addiction for young adults. I'm excited to see what this year brings, as we are still in the V stage of the My VOICE framework, the stage where students are still finding out what issues interest them the most. So far, our top issues include Prejudice/Discrimination, Addiction, and Abuse.

This cause stems from a museum visit I made last year. I found out more about the National Liberty Museum that houses incredibly thought-provoking exhibits on the very topics we touch on through Need in Deed. I would love to take my students this year on a field trip there to get a tour and participate in the Museum Learning Experience, which includes an in-depth, classroom-style workshop. With the breadth of knowledge this museum holds on conflict resolution, appreciating diversity, and social activism, I am confident our students will walk away buzzing with creative ideas for our service-learning projects! The cost of the Museum Learning Experience is $10 a student for 54 students, and we will need money for 2 buses which cost about $250 each. By supporting this cause, you will be contributing to budding young social activists who take care of themselves, each other, and the community at large!

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