Results of
Brainstorming Activity
National Service-Learning Conference

Denver, Colorado
Apri 5, 2001

Why do you think it is important to link service-learning to teaching local government?

  • Brings relevance to the subject
  • To encourage teamwork and leadership
  • Govt. that will be most influential or in contact with
  • Heritage/People they will be in touch with first
  • Partnerships, civic responsibility
  • Local govt. directly affects students; it is also where students (citizens) have the most power/influence
  • Relevance
  • Responsibility
  • Act locally (local is focus of action)
  • Because service-learning and local government share a common goal of providing service to the need f the community
  • Best chance of affecting change

Does your school/district mandate teaching local government? (Please put your school of district next to your response)

  • Yes, via state standards - Placencia- Yorba Linda USD, CA.
  • Yes, Claiborne Parish, LA
  • No, Central High, Grand Junction, CO.
  • Yes, Columbia Schools, Columbus, MO.
  • Yes, Wilkes Elementary, Washington, GA.
  • No, Minnesota State Univ.
  • Yes and No, Sterling High School
  • Minimally, Hathaway Brown
  • I don't know, Montgomery County

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to teaching local government?

  • Time
  • Simplifying it enough
  • Interest/boredom
  • Materials/contacts
  • Making it exciting
  • Excitement/understanding
  • Making it relevant
  • The rest of government
  • Resources
  • Doesn't fit into the curriculum easily
  • Follow through
  • Apathy
  • Interest

Please name a resource you could use to help connect service-learning to local government?

  • Research studies
  • Local political party headquarters
  • Field trip
  • Local politicians
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Volunteer centers
  • Government studies centers - local colleges
  • Write letters to members
  • Close-Up Foundation

Return to National Outreach in Civic Participation and Youth Service page.