Section 1 EO MX02.01 – PERFORM COMMUNITY SERVICE
This IG supports EO MX02.01 (Perform Community Service) located in A-CR-CCP-801/PG-001, Royal Canadian Air Cadets Proficiency Level One Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 4.
Read and prepare to conduct The Five Stages of Service Learning located at Annex A.
See Examples of Community Service located at Attachment F to get an idea of what community service using the five stages of service learning might look like.
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A practical activity was chosen for this lesson as it allows the cadets to interact with their peers while providing a service to the community.
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By the end of this lesson the cadet shall have performed community service that:
has value, purpose, and meaning;
uses previously learned and newly acquired skills and knowledge;
offers unique learning experiences;
has real consequences; and
offers a safe environment to learn, to make mistakes, and to succeed.
It is important for cadets to perform community service as it contributes directly to supporting part of the aim of the Cadet Program—to develop attributes of good citizenship. Through participating in all five stages of service learning, cadets recognize how participation and the ability to respond to authentic needs improves the quality of life in the community, which leads to a lifelong ethic of service and civic participation.
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Refer to The Five Stages of Service Learning located at Annex A for more details on each stage. |
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Youth voice and youth choice are essential for cadet buy-in and ownership over the service learning process. To the greatest extent possible, the community service should be cadet-led. |
1.Have the cadets complete Stage 1 of Service Leaning (Inventory and Investigation) by:
developing a list or spreadsheet of cadet interests, skills, and talents through an activity such as:
having cadets complete a personal inventory worksheet, such as the one located at Annex B;
conducting a survey with the cadets; or
interviewing cadets;
selecting a need in the community by:
identifying an existing program or activity that is addressing a community need;
identifying a need in the community that has been observed; or
receiving a request from the community for assistance in meeting a need; and
investigating the underlying problem and validating the need by having the cadets:
examine media, such as books, magazines, or newspapers;
conduct interviews with people who have expertise in the subject matter;
review past experiences;
observe relevant situations (eg, investigating homelessness by visiting a local shelter); or
conduct a survey with people who may have knowledge about the subject matter.
2.Have the cadets complete Stage 2 of Service Learning (Preparation and Planning) by developing a plan that uses the identified skills and knowledge to address, as much as possible, the underlying problem behind the community need. The Community Service Proposal at Annex C may be used to help develop the plan. The plan should:
describe the involvement of community partners;
define the goal of the community service;
describe anticipated results;
identify how to measure the effects;
identify how progress will be monitored;
define roles and responsibilities of all involved;
include a timeline for all tasks; and
identify required resources.
3.Have the cadets complete Stage 3 of Service Learning (Action) by completing the community service while monitoring progress using the indicators identified in Stage 2: Preparation and Planning and adapting the plan as necessary.
4.Have the cadets complete Stage 4 of Service Learning (Reflection) by completing an activity that places the community service within the context of themselves personally, the community directly served, and greater communities (eg, national or global), such as:
the four square reflection tool located at Annex D,
a journal, blog, or video blog,
an analysis of a “day in the life” of those benefiting from the service. How has it changed? How might they feel differently?
a piece of art that represents the community service activity, or
another activity that provides a structured avenue for reflecting on the community service.
5.Have the cadets complete Stage 5 of Service Learning (Demonstration) by completing an activity that showcases what they have done and the effect it has had on themselves (such as new skills, knowledge, or understandings) and the community, such as:
a video or photo essay,
a letter to the editor,
an article for local or corps / squadron media,
a presentation or performance, or
a public display of art.
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A checklist is located at Annex E to guide cadets through the stages of Service Learning. |
The cadets’ participation in community service will serve as the confirmation of this lesson.
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Community service not only has a positive impact on others in your community—it has a positive impact on you by developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills; growing your understanding of diverse cultures and communities; providing an opportunity to learn more about social issues and their root causes; and developing your communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Seek out opportunities to be a good citizen by positively contributing to your community.
Youth voice is key to developing cadets as leaders. Cadets need ample opportunities to express their ideas and opinions, and to make constructive choices and see the results. Community service enables cadets to take initiative, make decisions, interact with community representatives, learn about the role of government in social issues, develop critical-thinking skills, put their ideas into action, and assess and evaluate what happened.
More than one community service activity may be chosen to complete the required training time.
If additional time is required to complete all five stages of service learning, periods from C102.01 (Perform Community Service) may be used.
The community service activity shall not have any partisan political association or support any single religious denomination or belief system.
The community service activity shall not directly benefit the corps / squadron or the sponsor.
Kaye, Cathryn B. The Complete Guide to Service Learning: Proven, Practical Ways to Engage Students in Civic Responsibility, Academic Curriculum, & Social Action. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc, 2010.
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