How Service Is Enacted

Service-Learning Programs

Service-learning engages students through three types of service activity: direct, indirect, and advocacy.

Direct Service

• Students have face-to-face contact with the service recipients.

Examples: tutoring; serving meals at a homeless shelter; working with elderly in a nursing home.

Indirect Service

• Students perform a service without having face-to-face contact with the recipient. Usually resources are channeled to help alleviate a problem.

Examples: coordinating food and clothing drives; organizing "thons" or fundraisers; environmental projects.

Advocacy

• Students educate others about an issue with the goal of eliminating the cause of a particular problem.

Examples: writing letters to legislators or editors; preparing and displaying posters, plays, or other educational materials for others.