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Inspire Volunteerism

Service-Learning in Waterloo Schools (Part 2)

12/17/2019

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On our blog today, we have a special guest writer, our very own Youth Program Coordinator - Jean Seeland. Jean will talk about her time in the elementary schools of Waterloo and about the service-learning projects she helped implement!

Children are never too young to begin learning about how to give back to their community and their world. I began working with preschoolers at Kittrell Elementary two years ago in a classroom that included several autistic children. The response was so positive, that this year I am working with two classrooms! I visit the classes each month and we do a special service-learning project designed for the preschool children. For example, one month we decided to honor our community helpers. We asked the city of Waterloo to send out a garbage truck and someone to explain the job of a sanitation worker. After a wonderful experience that excited the children, the children made special posters saying "thank you" to sanitation workers that they took home and attached to their garbage cans! 

Another month we had a special speaker from a veterinarian's office and then we made cat toys that were given to the Humane Society. The most powerful aspect of this engagement is not the projects we do, but the empowerment the young children feel knowing that they can make a difference in the world. I am a firm believer that traditions begun at an early age continue into our latter years!

                                        - Jean Seeland, Youth Program Coordinator
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Service-Learning in Waterloo Schools (Part 1)

12/3/2019

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Perhaps you are familiar with the concept of service-learning or maybe this is the first time you heard of the word. Here at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, we are very familiar with the concept, in fact, we have partnerships with community schools to help implement service-learning projects into the curriculum! 

What is service-learning? Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrate meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities! Service-learning will help students develop responsibility, empower them to feel they can make a difference, increase their civic awareness, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Service-learning is wonderful because it enhances both student growth and the common good. It achieves real objectives in the community while enabling students to achieve a deeper understanding of social issues.

Service-learning is for any age student from preschool to college! Read this story about students at Peet Junior High!
Peet Junior High
Students at Peet Jr. High became active participants in the community when they focused on doing things to help the homeless. They contacted the Salvation Army and set up a schedule to have a "Red Kettle" drive at the school for a week following Thanksgiving. They rang the Salvation Army bells before and after school and collected money from their classmates, teachers, and parents! They also made tie blankets that were donated to homeless shelters in the Cedar Valley. In addition, they educated their peers on the plight of the homeless with a PowerPoint presentation that was shown to the student body. They demonstrated in many ways they could make a difference with their active involvement!
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12 Days of Holiday Cheer

12/2/2019

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The winter months have many holiday celebrations such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day (Epiphany), and more! Here are some ideas that individuals and groups can do to help brighten our community during the winter holiday season! Please tailor these ideas to reflect the holiday you celebrate and comment below about other ideas or traditions that you incorporated. 

If you need help connecting to an nonprofit or organization in the Cedar Valley, visit our Agency page to view a list of all the organizations that are member agencies with us! You can always email or give us a call at 319-272-2087.
Secret Snowman
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Leave a special poem, a small gift, plant, or holiday story for a homebound neighbor, or someone in need.
Caring Food 
Make your favorite holiday treat for someone special in your life - a teacher, neighbor, relative or friend.
Bird Extravaganza
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Decorate a tree for the birds. Cover pine cones with peanut butter and dip them in birdseed. String popcorn and cranberries. Hang cut up apples and oranges on the tree.
Holiday Kits
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Put together everything a child would need to make a present for a loved one. Contact a family or domestic abuse homeless shelter to distribute the kits.
Table Decorations
Make a centerpiece or placemats for a local senior center or deliver some to Meals on Wheels.
Caring Calendar Interview an elderly neighbor or a relative and find out the important dates in their lives. Create a calendar with handmade pictures or photos and fill in special dates.
Hope Chest
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Fill a shoebox with small gifts and a card for a homeless child or someone that will be spending the holidays in the hospital.
Kitty and Puppy Love Bring cat and dog food, clean old towels and clean blankets to your local rescue shelter.
 Soup to Share
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Make a container of homemade soup and give to someone who should know someone cares.
Deck the Halls
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Decorate a shelter, senior center or homeless shelter. Find out which holiday they celebrate and decorate accordingly.
Dessert Delivery Remember your garbage man, postal carrier, paper delivery person, and more and share some homemade dessert and a card.
Caring Family Meal
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This can be for your own family, a relative, a neighbor or all of the above. Serve with love.
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​Suite 300C
Waterloo, IA 50701

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Volunteers
  • Agencies
    • FAQ Get Connected
    • Service Enterprise Certification
    • Trainings
  • RSVP
    • Tax-Aide
  • Recognition
    • Mayors' Volunteer Awards
    • Mayors' Top Teen Volunteer Awards
  • Events
    • MLK Day of Service
    • Volunteers On Tap
    • Appetite For Service
  • Resources
    • Service-Learning
    • Blog
  • Contact