This book includes conceptual chapters that define social work service learning in contrast to fieldwork, examine its place in the curriculum, and explore how and when to implement service learning into course curricula. A second section features models for service-learning courses, such as service learning in a LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) context, as well as in a program for students in a camp for HIV-affected families.

′Experiencing Social Work provides a refreshing change in the expanse of social work education texts. Its focus on learning from people who had received a good service from social workers drew out many of the foundation blocks of practice that can so easily be minimised in favour of ′deeper academic theories′. In short, it reminded me of my own passion for practice and the privilege it is to be part of the social work profession′ - Kay Wall, Lecturer in Social Work In this book people tell their stories of positive social work and the difference it has made to their lives. The book was inspired by the belief that we can learn more from what goes right than what goes wrong. Follow the stories in each chapter to read about good practice, to reflect on the lessons learned, and to feel uplifted by social work′s potential for positive change and social justice. Other key features include: " Case examples from a wide range of service user groups, including people with mental health problems, disabilities, parenting difficulties, those living in care, those experiencing loss and other life transitions. " Commentaries that unpack the core themes and issues from each example in order to understand the experience and learn from it. " Examples of how social work students have contributed to positive change in the lives of service users. " A strong grounding in the ethical guidelines and skills base required of all social work practice. This important book will be valuable reading for all undergraduate social work students and will also be useful for qualified social workers, service users and carers. Mark Doel is based at the Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University. Lesley Best is based at the School of Health, University of Northampton.

Offers a Unique Focus on the Experience of the Community Served While campus engagement with the local community is generally viewed in a positive light, in reality these collaborations are more complex. Presenting a variety of contemporary models and frameworks for community engagement, this book is distinguished by its unique emphasis on campus–community partnerships from the perspective of the community. Bolstered by concrete data, the text addresses the impact of a variety of service-learning arrangements on local communities and focuses on the experiences, both positive and negative, of the community organization. Integrating theoretical, historical, ethical, and practical frameworks, the book examines in depth such emerging models as global service learning, social entrepreneurship, and experiential philanthropy. Vivid case examples drawing from real-life programs that have been implemented in the United States and abroad bring these models to life. While the book emphasizes the perspectives of the communities served, it also encompasses the experiences of nonprofit organizations, students, and faculty. Students, faculty, and administrators who are engaged in campus–community partnerships—particularly in disciplines that are grounded in community-based learning, such as social work, human services, sociology, and public service studies--will find this book to be an important resource. Key Features: Examines campus--community partnerships from the perspective of the community served Presents lively and engaging case studies of domestic and global scenarios Includes the perspectives of nonprofit organizations, students, community members, and faculty Includes extensive resources for more in-depth study

A critical characteristic of human service organizations is their capacity to learn from experience and to adapt continuously to changing external conditions such as downward pressure on resources, constant reconfiguration of the welfare state and rapidly changing patterns of social need. This invaluable, groundbreaking volume discusses in detail the concept of the learning organization, in particular its relevance to social work and social services. Contributors join together from across Europe, North America and Australia to explore the development of the learning organization within social work contexts and its use as a strategic tool for meeting problems of continuous learning, supervision and change. The volume addresses a range of important topics, from strategies for embedding learning and critical reflection in the social work learning organization, to the implications of the learning organization for the new community-based health and social care agenda.

This volume applies the service-learning pedagogical approach to the social work curriculum. Its aim is to familiarize social work educators and practitioners with the approach's conceptual and theoretical underpinnings, to illustrate how service learning may be implemented in any of the Council on Social Work Education curriculum content areas, and to suggest methods for assessing the outcomes of these experiences. The book's subject matter is relevant to both baccalaureate and master's level social work education.

This book provides everything administrators and teachers need to build service-learning programs that prepare students as engaged citizens committed to equity and justice. Cipolle describes practical strategies for classroom teachers along with the theoretical framework so readers can deftly move beyond the book to a meaningful program for their schools.

The Complete Guide to Service Learning is the go-to resource in the fast-growing field of service learning. It is an award-winning treasury of service activities, community service project ideas, quotes, reflections, and resources that can help teachers and youth workers engage young hearts and minds in reaching out and giving back. Author and internationally known service learning expert Cathryn Berger Kaye presents service learning—its importance, steps, essential elements, and challenges—within a curricular context and organized by theme. This second edition maintains the easy-to-use format of the original and is enhanced with updated information on service learning programs and pedagogy. Benefits include: A blueprint for service learning, from getting started to assessing the experience Integration of K–12 service learning standards Inspiring quotations, background information and resources, preparation activities, real-life examples, and community service project ideas that have worked for other teachers 13 thematic chapters covering topics commonly selected for service learning projects such as animal protection and care, elders, emergency readiness, the environment, hunger and homelessness, literacy, special needs, and more Hundreds of real-life field-tested service learning projects Ideas for fortifying service learning programs by incorporating global literacy and creating a culture of service The online digital content has over 200 pages of forms and bonus materials and includes: All of the planning and tracking forms from the book, many customizable 39 sample planning templates for all service learning themes at each grade level 10 original essays written by experts in the field 22 author interviews, including interviews with authors Laurie David, Cynthia Lord, Jordan Sonnenblick, Kathe Koja, Danica Novgorodoff, Janet Tashjian, Deborah Ellis, Sonia Levitin, Ellen Senisi, and more! More than 300 additional “Bookshelf” recommendations that describe books that offer teachable moments about community service, responsibility, caring, and helping, as well as ways to encourage discussion and combine literature and service learning. Drawing on her years as a classroom teacher and international service learning consultant, trainer, speaker, and program developer, Cathryn Berger Kaye tells you everything you want and need to know about service learning. Recommended for K–12 teachers and administrators, college and university faculty, youth group leaders, government agencies and nonprofits, and after-school programs. Teachers, parents, and group leaders: Use this valuable resource in a classroom or youth-serving organization, after-school program, or as a family.

Soul of a Citizen awakens within us the desire and the ability to make our voices heard and our actions count. We can lead lives worthy of our convictions. A book of inspiration and integrity, Soul of a Citizen is an antidote to the twin scourges of modern life--powerlessness and cynicism. In his evocative style, Paul Loeb tells moving stories of ordinary Americans who have found unexpected fulfillment in social involvement. Through their example and Loeb's own wise and powerful lessons, we are compelled to move from passivity to participation. The reward of our action, we learn, is nothing less than a sense of connection and purpose not found in a purely personal life. Soul of a Citizen has become the handbook for budding social activists, veteran organizers, and anybody who wants to make a change—big or small—in the world around them. At this critical historical time , Paul Loeb's completely revised edition—and inspiring message—is more urgently important than ever.

This book establishes community engagement and service-learning as pathways to advancing human development and common good. Using the human development and capability approach as normative frameworks, with South Africa as a frame of reference, the author investigates the theoretical contributions and ultimate benefits of university-community partnerships. In doing so, this book demonstrates that three interrelated capabilities – affiliation, common good professionals and local citizenship – are developed through community engagement and service-learning. Subsequently, the notion of transformative change through community engagement and service-learning is illuminated, particularly when operating within the context of power differentials, inequality and extreme poverty. This book will be of interest and value to students and scholars of service-learning, and its implications for partnerships between universities and external communities.

International service learning (ISL) programs are growing more popular with students looking to advance their skills and knowledge to become global citizens. While the benefits of these programs among students are well documented, little is known about the implications they have on host communities themselves. This volume explores the impact of ISL programs on members of host communities (e.g. host families and local partner NGOs) who are increasingly influenced by the presence of international students in their lives. Drawing upon post-colonial, feminist and other critical and decolonizing theories, it examines the complicated power relations between North American ISL students and host communities in East and West Africa, the Caribbean and Central America. It stresses the importance of developing trusting relations between ISL students, faculty and individuals in the host communities to create mutually engaging learning experiences.