Creating a 2011 Global Youth Service Day Project

Written by: Learn and Serve – Michigan Team

Global Youth Service Day is a campaign that celebrates and mobilizes millions of children and youth to contribute to their communities every day of the year through service and service-learning. These efforts are especially ramped up this April 15, 16, and 17 – the 2011 Global Youth Service Day, or GYSD.

The Michigan Community Service Commission and Learn and Serve – Michigan are proud to serve as the 2011 GYSD Lead Agency in our state, which means we assist in the coordination of projects and get individuals and organizations connected to valuable resources.
Are you interested in creating a 2011 GYSD project? There’s still plenty of time to do so! Check out the simple five steps below to help you out:

1. Investigation
Identify a local, national, or global need you would like to address. Use a variety of sources to research the need and identify community partners. What are some things you’re very good at that you could use as part of the project? What are some skills your friends or family could bring to the table as well?

2. Preparation & Planning
Develop a strategy for change and a common vision for success. Determine what you will do and then create a timeline, assign responsibilities, develop a budget and an outreach plan, and find a project location. Include your community partners in this process.
Once you’ve finished planning your project, post it online at www.gysd.org. At this website you can also mention whether your project is open to volunteers in your community.

3. Action
Now it’s time to actually conduct the project! Does everyone know where to go and what task to do? Make sure someone is ready to answer any questions from volunteers, the community, elected officials, special guests, or local media. Document your action by taking photos, videos, and notes.

4. Reflection
Include reflection before, during, and after your project. Reflection helps you understand why you are providing the service, what differences you are making, and what you are learning along the way.

5. Demonstration/Celebration
Share what you have done and what you have learned from the experience by teaching others. Draft a report for the community, present your results, write letters to public officials, or send out a newsletter to parents and/or peers. Host a volunteer and partner awards ceremony that recognizes the contributions each person brought to the project.

This information was provided by Youth Service America.

Doesn’t it seem easy to get involved in the 2011 Global Youth Service Day? And even if you can’t plan your own project, it’s easy to get connected to pre-existing opportunities by visiting www.gysd.org and conducting a search.

Join Michigan’s efforts to engage youth in changing the world – volunteer on Global Youth Service Day!