Collective Leadership Works: Innovation in Service-Learning

The Innovation Center believes that service-learning can be a powerful force for bringing about positive change.  The IC uses collective leadership to reinforce positive outcomes for service learners and for their communities.  The IC's service-learning work is consistent with the service-learning process (IPARDCS) and quality standards; however, collective leadership places a special emphasis on crossing boundaries - such as age, race, or gender - and working towards social justice.  Youth work in true partnership with other community members to make change for the common good.

This model illustrates the IC's assumptions about the potential impact of collective leadership and service-learning.

With funding from Learn & Serve America, the Innovation Center’s initiative, Collective Leadership Works, supports three agencies as they use community-based service-learning to tackle local challenges.

Real Change in Real Communities

The three organizations in the initiative are using service-learning to enhance community wellbeing.  Watch this slide show and discover how they're changing their communities.

• Tohono O'odham Community Action (TOCA) in Sells, AZ: Young people are fighting the local diabetes epidemic by revitalizing cultural traditions related to food and fitness.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium working in Watsonville, CA: High school students are leading conservation and restoration efforts to protect local wetlands.
• Youth Development Training and Resource Center (YDTRC) in New Haven, CT: Supported by YDTRC, teens from Youth Caring for the Community, the Hill Youth Action Team, and Youth as Leaders are taking an active stance against violence and teen pregnancy in their community.

Collective Leadership Works in Action

Youth and adults in each of the three communities are working hard – leading, serving, and learning – to make their hometowns better places to live.  Learn more about what these leaders are doing on the ground.  The Project Events page gives information about upcoming conferences and gatherings, as well as photos and recaps from past events.

Learning the Lessons: Project Evaluation

The evaluation of Collective Leadership Works examines how community-based youth agencies catalyze and sustain collective leadership practices.  The Innovation Center is gathering information to determine how – and to what extent – service-learning fosters civic engagement in participants and improves overall community wellness.   Stay tuned for updates and information about applying project lessons to your own work!

• Project Evaluation Plan: Intentional questions and methods guide the evaluation.

Learn more about Learn & Serve America, a project of the Corporation for National and Community Service.