The Importance of Service and the Service Movement

Lesson 3.4 Learning Materials

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Lesson Overview

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Explain the critical role that social service organizations play in American democracy.
Describe the connections between political and social engagement

The National Service Movement (9:08)

In this video, Dr. Koppell discusses the national service movement and its role in American democracy which has created opportunities for Americans to serve their country outside of military service. Dr. Koppell explains that through a service experience, people from all communities connect in ways that create social capital. This leads to a common experience, worldview, and understanding of what makes our society operate effectively, supporting a healthy democracy.

Transcript: The National Service Movement

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Learning Materials

To successfully complete the assignments, study the materials below, which present the important concepts of this lesson.

Chapter 5 "Community Service and Voluntary Action" in Nonprofit Organizations and Civil Society in the United States

In this excerpt from Chapter 5 of Nonprofit Organizations and Civil Society in the United States, the authors define community service and explain why people engage in volunteer work. This book provides a unique perspective on the role of nonprofits in civil society and makes connections to social capital that will play an important role in Dr. Koppell's larger argument about how civic engagement works.

Dede Devine Interview "Serving the Community through Social Engagement"

In this video excerpt, Dr. Koppell interviews Dede Devine of Native American Connections. Ms. Devine discusses the nature of her work at Native American Connections and explains how the organization provides a broad range of culturally appropriate housing, behavioral health, and social services to the Native American community in the greater Phoenix area.

Transcript: Serving the Community through Social Engagement

Travis D. Tester, Learning to Give "Americorps"

In this article, Travis Tester explains the how Americorps was established by the government agency, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), and the efforts of the 80,000 volunteers in the organization and what they do to support community needs through nonprofits, public agencies, and religious organizations.

Shirley Sagawa Interview "AmeriCorps and a Service Year"

In this video excerpt, Dr. Koppell interviews Shirley Sagawa, CEO of Service Year Alliance about her work on AmeriCorps and the value of a Service Year.

Annotate

Transcript: AmeriCorps and a Service Year

John Bridgeland Interview "Social Engagement and the Importance of a Culture of National Service"

In this video excerpt, Dr. Koppell interviews John Bridgeland of Civic Enterprises (http://www.civicenterprises.net/). Mr. Bridgeland discusses the importance of national service, how it contributes to the work on today's public problems. He describes the history and work of organizations such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and the Freedom Corps, that foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.

Transcript: Social Engagement and the Importance of a Culture of National Service

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Optional Materials

The Corporation for National and Community Service

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is a federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps, which is a national program of volunteer service. Here, on their CNCS website, you can find more information about what AmeriCorps is and how it works.

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Check Your Understanding

After you have reviewed the assigned materials for this lesson, use these flashcards to check your knowledge of terms and concepts and prepare for the quiz at the end of this module.

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Suggested Interaction Prompt for Yellowdig

Consider the following:

In the video excerpts for this module, the public figures interviewed discuss a variety of types of social engagement that expand on some of the examples presented earlier in this module. What types were discussed? Were you surprised to discover that any of these are considered social engagement? Which would you consider engaging in?
Based on these videos and the earlier interviews about political engagement, discuss what connections you see between political and social engagement. Are they truly separate forms of civic engagement? Why or why not?

Go to the Yellowdig Discussion

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Assignments

After reviewing the learning materials in this module, you will be ready to complete the following assignments:

Course Participation/Discussion in Yellowdig
Module 3 Quiz
Civic Engagement Plan 3: My Identity, My Social Capital Networks, and Civic Engagement

Full instructions will be provided on the respective assignment pages.

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