“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Celebrating Service Learning

Recognition should: Affirm & Celebrate what was done Share learnings & commitments for community growth Help young people choose how to stay involved with issues

3 Keys Be Sincere Be Creative Be Specific

Beliefs about Recognition Beliefs about Recognition Meets basic human need Builds positive self-esteem Balances extrinsic and intrinsic Part of all 4-H learning experiences Takes many forms Requires adult support Recognizes all 4-Hers Presented soon and in front of others Appropriate recognition varies

National 4-H Recognition Model National 4-H Recognition Model Participation Peer Competition Self -Set Goals Standards of Excellence Cooperation

Participation Simple requirements, well publicized Earned many times Presented at activity Appropriate for activity & 4-Her Valued by 4-Her

Progress toward Self-set Goals For all ages and activities Realistic and reachable Uses 4-Her’s own goals and plans Evaluated by 4-Her and adults Measured against goals

Achievement of Standards Achievement of Standards Established by specialists Clearly defined Uses rating categories (ribbons) Measures quality

Peer Competition High Risk –age appropriate Voluntary Can confuse the process Needs rules High visibility

Excellence in Cooperation Excellence in Cooperation Everyone is fully involved Mutually agreed upon goals Group dynamics is important Teamwork is recognized

Motivation Motivation Achievement Affiliation Power

Personal Characteristics Personal Characteristics Achievement: Excellence, personal best, takes risks, restless and innovative, wants concrete feedback Affiliation: Concerned with being liked /accepted, needs warm & friendly relationships, not a loner Power: Wants reputation, position, give advice, wants own ideas predominant, needs to influence others, outspoken, verbally fluent

Youth Thinks About: Youth Thinks About: Achievement –Doing job better, accomplish the unusual, advance career, attain goal, overcome obstacles Affiliation –Consoling or helping people, relationships, the feelings of others, wanting to be liked Power –Influence and impact over others, winning

Affirm and Celebrate  Certificates  Media coverage  Thank yous to youth  Public recognition  Parties

Enhancing Community Growth Presentations: –Stories to groups –Multimedia –Print –Posters –Public reflections –Reflective readings

Integrating Learnings and Commitments Expand Awareness Join support groups Become an advocate Lifestyle change Direct service Immersion experiences Career directions Mentoring

Elements to maintaining a positive change: 1.Monitor satisfaction 2.Keep expectations realistic 3.Highlight hidden benefits 4.Improve the system 5.Enlist support of influencers 6.Emphasize ongoing skills need 7.Add extrinsic incentives

References An Asset Builders Guide to Service Learning – A Search Institute Publication Recognition Handbook: Guide for Facilitators – National 4-H Council Red Taxi Trainers Guide Michigan 4-H Recognition Handbook The Power of Assets –

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. -Mohandas Gandhi