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Youth Service Summit : Action Project Resources

Action Project Resources

Service in Schools hopes that the Youth Service Summit is a launching pad for continued service-learning and community action. Below are resources for action projects on the topics covered in this year's program to help elementary teachers and students get started. Engaging, kid-friendly media and suggestions for action are included for each topic. See how to access the free e-books and digital learning resources from Sora, Gale in Context, and other databases available through NYC DOE Department of Library Services.  

Email ServiceinSchools@schools.nyc.gov with questions about these resources and to tell us how your class is helping their community!

Animal Welfare

Keyboard Cat and #AdoptPureLove PSA

  • What is a "shelter pet"?

  • How do these videos make you feel?

  • What kinds of actions or policies could help the animals in these videos?
     

 School Spotlight P.S. 200 Benson School

  • What was the need they identified in their community?

  • Have you ever noticed a similar problem in your community?

  • What ideas do you get from their class project?

Media 

E-books on Sora, through DOE login

Review the types of action you can take and examples for each:

  • Indirect Action: Donate money or supplies to an organization that addresses animal welfare.

  • Advocacy: Inform others why adopting animals is important and how to help.

  • Advocacy: Drum up support for local programs and policies that support no-kill shelters.

  • Choose one or more of these or come up with your own action!

Fast Fashion and Pollution

Kids Go Green: Eco-Fashion

  • What are some things that we can do to reduce waste?

  • What do solar panels do?

Textile Reuse and Recycling

  • What are some benefits of reusing or recycling textiles?

  • Where can I bring my textile waste to be recycled?

Media

E-books on Sora, through DOE login

Review the types of action you can take and examples for each:

 

  • Indirect Action: Recycle your old textiles by donating old clothing/fabrics to local charities, drop off sites and thrift shops.

  • Advocacy: Inform others why textile waste is an issue and how to help.

  • Advocacy: Write to a local elected official to advocate for recycling programs and policies that reduces the impact of textile waste on the environment.

Disability Rights

Types of Disabilities

  • What is a disability?

  • How can we help people with disabilities?

  • What are different types of disabilities?

The Majority of School Districts not Accessible for Students with Disabilities

  • What percentage of New York City schools are not accessible?

  • What can we do to make schools more accessible?

Review the types of action you can take and examples for each:

 

  • Indirect Action: Donate money to an organizations that offer a voice for people with disabilities.

  • Advocacy: Inform others why inclusion is so important for people with disabilities. 

  • Advocacy: Write to a local elected official to advocate for programs and policies that improve the quality of life for those with special needs and disabilities. 

Food Access and Insecurity

Maddie’s Fridge on Sora, through DOE login

  • What problem is Maddie experiencing?

  • How did Sofia try to help Maddie?

  • Why didn't Maddie want Sofia to tell her mom about her problem?

  • Do you think young people in your community have had a similar experience?
     

Community Fridge Map 

  • What do you notice or wonder about community fridges based on this map?

  • What other ideas would help support people in the community that are in need of food?

Media 

E-books on Sora, through DOE login

Review the types of action you can take and examples for each:

  • Indirect Action: Donate to an organization that addresses hunger/food insecurity.

  • Advocacy: Inform others why food insecurity is an issue and how to help.

  • Advocacy: Drum up support for a community garden in your neighborhood.

  • Choose one or more of these or come up with your own action!

Housing and Homelessness

A Rainbow Kind of Day 

  • What problem is Lily experiencing?

  • How did Lily's friends support her?

  • Was there anything surprising to you about Lily's experience?

  • Do you think young people in your community have had a similar experience?
     

Meet NYC’s First Homeless Girl Scout Troop 

  • What ideas for helping do you get from Girl Scout troop #6000?

  • What other ideas would help support homeless families and youth in NYC?

Review the types of action you can take and examples for each:

  • Indirect Action: Donate money or supplies to an organization that addresses homelessness.

  • Advocacy: Inform others why homelessness is an issue and how to help.

  • Advocacy: Write to a local elected official to advocate for programs and policies that will help end homelessness.

  • Choose one or more of these or come up with your own action!