Toot Your Horn!

Written by: Sue Wilson, a former Learn and Serve – Michigan grantee, and current District Academic Service-Learning Coordinator at Clarkston Community Schools

On February 25, I had the privilege of meeting with Tony Baltimore and Stuart Pigler, staff from U.S. Representative Mike Rogers’ office, along with Michigan representatives from VISTA, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve programs. We were there with the goal of informing Representative Rogers about the important work that is going on in our state as a direct result of the VISTA, AmeriCorps and Learn & Serve programs. As a Learn and Serve alumni, I know first-hand what a difference service-learning has made in my classroom, as well as our district. Trained teachers are passionate about integrating curriculum and service because they know the importance of creating opportunities for students to be involved in their own community. Students and staff are empowered, needs are met, and the community knows that our school district cares.

I'm a firm believer in the following quote:

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." – Aesop

As a result of our meeting in Lansing, we walked away with the understanding that our role in the national service family is to make sure our community, local government, and representatives in Washington need to be aware of what we're doing. It's out of our nature to "toot our own horns" -- however, if we don't toot, no one will know the great things going on in our communities.

So, call your newspapers and local TV stations and tell them the great things that are going on in your VISTA, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn & Serve programs!

Learn and Serve – Michigan would love to hear the great things going on in your programs too! Please leave us a comment, and be sure to “toot your horn!”