The first step to building a service-learning community partnership is connecting with a community organization and establishing positive connections. Many community organizations are in the same boat as you; too much to do and not enough resources to do it.
Approaching a community organization with thoughtfulness and preparation can lead to a sustainable, impactful community partnership that will maximize the potential benefit for everyone involved.
Tips for preparing to talk with an organization
See also the Topics to discuss with community partners webpage.
Begin by reviewing this blog post from the point of view of community partners; it summarizes the challenges faced by organizations that work with students, and offers tips for instructors.
- Do your homework. Familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission, history, and programs before reaching out.
- Plan early. Start planning well ahead of time (several months) to allow time for meaningful collaboration and thoughtful preparation.
- Meet in person. Whenever possible, visit the organization and connect face-to-face. Visiting the site will help you better understand the community partner and service-learning activity your students will be engaging in.
- Center community partner expertise. Ask how your course or students might support their goals. Treat them as experts—you’re there to learn as much as to help.
- Respect your community partner’s focus. Every “yes” means a “no” to something else. Help community partners prioritize their mission by minimizing their investment and maximizing the impact.
- Be flexible. Stay open to a range of possible projects and formats and unanticipated needs your community partner may face while learning how to support your students.
- Include your community partner in the process. Invite community partners to connect with students during the introduction of the service-learning project, student reflections, final presentations, or other class activities when appropriate.
- Prepare your students. Service-learning students typically require more investment than community volunteers. Take the time to anticipate student needs and help them arrive for service as prepared as possible.
Tips are adapted from CSU’s Service-Learning Faculty Manual, Fourth Edition; courtesy, The Institute for Learning and Teaching at Colorado State University.