Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Toronto 2015

ASB Toronto - Habitat Restore, Etobicoke

Along with CSL resources and research, I hope to share a few posts dedicated to the anecdotal, the qualitative, the immeasurable and the emotional side of community service learning.  In other words the part that makes practitioners and students "feel good".  

Last night we celebrated with the student volunteers who engaged in the Alternative Spring Break 2015 program.  Throughout the week students volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, The Knights Table, and The Redwood shelter.  Some students were motivated by a need to complete volunteer hours for a course while others saw it as a way to learn more about their local community.

Reflecting on their experience, students described the week as "inspirational", "thought-provoking", and "fun" .  One student commented that after she had posted a photo of herself volunteering on instagram, her friends messaged asking if they could join her next time.  A second student shared that she had volunteered 10 years prior at the Knight's table, and found it upsetting to see how the need had not changed in the past decade.   

ASB Toronto - Celebration Dinner

Service learning is not without its challenges and it is important that students understand the "why" in order to ensure a valuable learning experience that extends beyond the "feel good".