The Term Service-Learning At Calvin College
Our philosophy at the Service-Learning Center is that all service is relational. It is dynamic exchange between and among people. Everyone gives and everyone receives. The lines between giver and receiver are blurred or even obliterated. We encourage all of the students and faculty who participate in our programs to view themselves as both servants and learners. We use the term "service-learning" to describe what we do and we call all of our participants "service-learners". As with all terms, "service-learning" may be utilized differently in other organizations. And we do our best to try to learn and honor the specific terms our partner organizations use for service-learning.

Our Basic Programs
Just like there are a myriad of different needs for "service-learning" in the community, there are a myriad of different reasons and auspices through which students and faculty interact with the Service-Learning Center. However, in basic categories, there are three main "programs" through which students might be referred to community organizations:

Most students are participating in academically-based service learning. Course based service-learning is arranged by the professor and the Service-Learning Center. In Academically-Based Service-Learning we are trying to create a match between a community need and specific learning goals professors have for their students. The possibilities are very broad and an idea you may dismiss, could be the idea we need -- so call us!

Some students independently seek service-learning experiences. Some students are seeking an experience that will assist them in preparing for a particular vocation. Others are interested in specific issues and causes. Many of these students "walk-in" or call us for ideas. During the months of September and February we recruit students for organizations with whom we have a relationship or partnership. However, we keep a list of all requests. And during the months of October and November and again in March and April, we "put out the word" about a variety of service-learning opportunities - especially special needs, projects and one-time opportunities. Feel free to call us with special opportunities or needs.

Several groups and organizations on campus form partnerships with specific organizations and causes. Other groups look to our office to provide information about short term or one-time projects. Community organizations working with a group will most likely be working with a student leader.