Community Service
“Our ideas of education take too narrow and too low a range. There is need of a broader scope, a higher aim. True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man.”
— Ellen G. White, Education, p. 13
Developing a practical work ethic while instilling the joy of service is one of the distinctive features of faith-based education. A small class size allows for easier logistics when planning projects and the typical mix of students’ ages fosters excellent teamwork. This encounter outside the classroom affords a very real extension to learning and is valuable to the health and development of the small school.
Your school’s participation in community outreach and service projects offers many benefits to the entire school program. These activities become a setting for character building and create bonding experiences that will enhance school spirit and camaraderie. Involvement will also foster positive public relations and establish valuable connections in career awareness for students.
Seek opportunities to put faith into action by inquiring about needs in the local community and throughout the church constituency. Discuss these ideas with the board and solicit adult volunteers to help organize and support the project.
Examples of local community outreach activities include:
• Canned food drive for the church’s community service center or local food bank
• Clothing drive for community service centers
• Volunteering at the local food bank
• ADRA projects
• Projects sponsored by the school or through local or global charitable organizations
• Nursing home visits
• Adopt-a-Highway
Community Outreach and Service
Plan your community outreach and service projects with input and support from your pastor, school board, church members, and parents. Ask for adult volunteers (all adult volunteers must complete current background screening) to help attend and supervise the activities. Arrange for photos to be taken so
that they may be posted on the school web site and submitted to local newspapers and local conference publications. The school must have a signed photo release for any student whose picture is published.
Please note that volunteers and/or parents may not post photos of other people’s children on their personal social media accounts.
Outreach and service projects could also be oriented towards the local constituent church(es) and its members. When students are actively engaged and visible to the constituent church(es), they inspire energy and enthusiasm within the church family highlighting the school as a valuable and dynamic resource. Examples of programs, projects, and service opportunities include:
• Christmas or other programs
• Special Sabbath school or church service
• Participation in church evangelistic efforts
• Greeting card ministry
• Work bees
• Personal testimony service
• Adventist Community Services
Learning how to share a Bible lesson, give a personal testimony, and encourage peers are valuable educational experiences. School groups may also be invited to participate in tasks such as:
• Delivering holiday food baskets
• Helping with yard work
• Stacking wood
• Gardening activities
Missions
Participating in mission service does not have to involve traveling. Consider involving your school in mission activities right from the classroom. Check out ADRA for Kids/ADRA Canada for ideas that will enhance themes in Bible, language arts, and social studies.