2011 Global Youth Service Day – Resources You Can Use!

Written by: The Learn and Serve – Michigan Team

Efforts in Michigan
The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), along with the LEAGE Michigan, and Youth Service America (YSA) are awarding $11,000 in mini-grants to Michigan organizations to host a 2011 Global Youth Service Day Project. Mini-grants will be awarded in amounts up to $500, and applications will be accepted until Monday, February 28. The application must be written by a youth who plans to participate in the planning and implementation of the project. Priority will be given to projects that focus on the following: education, health, clean energy/environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, disaster preparedness, supporting veterans and military families, or public safety. Guidelines and the application can be found at www.michigan.gov/mcsc.

Join MCSC staff on Monday, February 14, 2011 for our second installment of a free webinar on the 2011 Global Youth Service Day. More information will be shared about our mini-grant opportunity, as well as an overview of Global Youth Service Day and the importance of youth service, and ideas for collaborating with other streams of national service. The webinar will be held at 11:00 a.m. To register, click here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/222628098.

Resources in Michigan
The MCSC has provided several great resources culminating in an online 2011 Global Youth Service Day Toolkit for those who are planning GYSD projects this year. Check out www.michigan.gov/mcsc and click on 2011 Global Youth Service Day. As you explore this website, consider exploring the Global Youth Service Day Event Planning Guide. This guide offers a step-by-step method to better conceptualize your project. It includes in-depth details to help you plan your budget, event location, and minute by minute agenda. The Guide starts by asking what goals you would like to set for your project, continues by walking through the appropriate number of volunteers, and even includes questions for the project planner to better prepare for safety and emergency information for the day of the project.

Another great resource provided in this toolkit is the MCSC’s Guide to Engaging Media. Did you know, for example, the media can help build support among individuals, community leaders, and even potential funders? This guide examines what makes a good story-from the media’s perspective, different types of media releases and how to write them, how to create a media policy for your organization, and media “Do’s and “Don’ts.”

Also included in the Toolkit is a 2011 Global Youth Service Day Michigan Flyer. Feel free to print out your own copies! Hand them out and help us spread the word about 2011 Global Youth Service Day in Michigan!

What the MCSC can provide for YOU
If you have any questions related to the mini-grant process, or just need help brainstorming potential projects, please feel free to contact the MCSC. In addition, we can provide support and resources to projects that may focus on accessibility and inclusion for all people. Global Youth Service Day is a great way to introduce youth to the planning and implementing of service and service-learning projects. All youth are encouraged to participate!