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Flexible and Accessible Service-Learning

We can create SL opportunities that are more flexible and accessible. This page outlines SL options that can be completed remotely. Contact karabrascia@boisestate.edu for support.

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Examples of Remote Project-Based SL

Conduct background research on the issue, or gather best practices requested by a community partner.

  • Ex: URBAN: research sustainability plans from comparable cities, then present to Boise City staff
  • Ex: POLS: Review and report on relevant legislative policies impacting the particular org or population

Advocate: help community advocates raise awareness of issues and influence policy.

Discuss advocacy as a social impact tool, research current policies or bills that affect the social issues you are discussing, have your students research other organizations’ public policy agendas, and develop a plan of action. (Note: the community partner should communicate their need, then the students dig in).

  • Ex: HEALTH: Create digital and other social media content, print program materials, or other methods for information-sharing
  • Ex: SPS: campaign to get Dollar Tree employees hazard pay raises
  • Ex: Students attend city council meetings virtually, raising an issue or answering questions

Develop resources for organizations (strategy recommendations, curriculum, devices, etc.)

  • Ex: CS: Develop curriculum to teach teens about computer safety, then share/deliver the curriculum via video (see Video Resources for Faculty and Students  and Video guidelines for educational outreach)
  • Ex: MGMT: develop/distribute ideas for neighbors to help neighbors [share food, resources], businesses helping businesses
  • Ex: EDUC: Help students and families access the internet and devices while their schools are disrupted.
  • (Note: the community partner communicates their need, then the students dig in).

Additional ideas

  • Students could systematically record their community observations (See windshield/walking survey)
  • Create digital and other social media content, print program materials, or other methods for information-sharing. See Conducting remote Outreach/Engagement 
  • Review and report on relevant legislative policies impacting the particular org or population
  • Create resources for future SL students based on their own experiences
  • Participate in online trainings in topics related to their community experience (this may not qualify as SL)

(For more ideas see also Direct vs. Indirect SL;  Reimagining Service Learning in the Digital Age;  Social Change Wheel; Conducting Outreach/Engagement Remotely);