Community of Practice

We build the service-learning community and connect practitioners to other thoughtful, committed people who can change the world!

As a learning community, our goal is to grow, share, question, understand, and discuss service-learning experiences that lead to deeper learning for both practitioners and young people.

Each Community of Practice consists of a diverse group of people who:

Value service-learning as a strategy that impacts students, schools, and communities
Develop trust and together, build quality individual and collective service-learning practices
Support formal and informal interaction between novices and experts
Emphasize learning and sharing of knowledge
Foster a sense of belonging among members

What to Expect

Our Service-Learning Communities of Practice are collaborative and dynamic spaces designed to support and enhance service-learning initiatives across various educational and professional landscapes. Our communities are structured into two distinct, interconnected groups, each playing a vital role in fostering a holistic and impactful service-learning experience.

With two groups to choose from, you’ll find a place to connect and build community with like minded service-learning professionals. Each of our groups is guided by an experienced practitioner who can help you dig deeper into your practice alongside others doing work similar to you!

Learn more about each group below:

Administrators and Instructional/Organizational Leaders

Topics of discussion include strategic planning, policy development, and the overall vision for service-learning programs. Participants include school administrators, instructional leaders, organizational executives, and decision-makers. Members engage in high-level discussions on best practices, resource allocation, program evaluation, and more. They collaborate to create supportive environments that facilitate successful service-learning integration within their institutions. This group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CST.

PK-12 Educators

This group focuses on integrating service-learning into the PK-12 curriculum, enriching student learning experiences through community engagement. Participants include teachers, curriculum developers, and educational support staff. Members collaborate on lesson planning, share innovative teaching methods, and discuss ways to align service-learning experiences with educational standards. They aim to create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that foster students’ personal and academic growth. This group meets on the fourth Tuesday each month from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST.

Participants stay connected, problem solve, and share resources beyond our virtual meetings through NYLC’s online platform. We also provide tools and resources you can use in your practice.

We invite you to join this valuable support system so that we can grow together!

“I’ve received helpful suggestions on how to market service-learning to area charter schools. Even the way service-learning has been framed during our meetings has helped me better communicate with clients. This has been a really valuable experience.”

Maria | Member of the Community of Practice

National Service-Learning Conference®

Youth Leadership Summit

International Service-Learning Forum

Professional Development, Events, & Workshops

Community of Practice

We build the service-learning community and connect practitioners to other thoughtful, committed people who can change the world!

Each Community of Practice consists of a diverse group of people who:

What to Expect