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!
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
What do Pets Need? video
'My Name is Angel' article from Gale in Context: Elementary
ASPCA and The Humane Society of New York websites
E-books on Sora, through DOE login
Before You Were Mine picture book (all grades)
Can I Be Your Dog? picture book (all grades)
Lost and Found Cat audio book (grades 3 and up)
Good Dog, McTavish fiction (grades 3 and up)
Because of Winn Dixie fiction (grades 3 and up)
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!
What are some things that we can do to reduce waste?
What do solar panels do?
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.
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?
Media
E-books on Sora, through DOE login
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.
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?
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
Hungry for help article from Gale in Context: Elementary
Facts and Faces of Hunger in America website and interactive video
I used to be hungry article from Gale in Context: Elementary
E-books on Sora, through DOE login
My Food, Your Food, Our Food picture book (all grades)
Enough to Go Around picture book (all grades)
One Little Lot: The 1-2-3s of an Urban Garden picture book (all grades)
How Did That Get in My Lunchbox nonfiction (grades 3 and up)
One Good Garden nonfiction (grades 3 and up)
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!
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?
Media
5-year-old superhero inspires communities to help those in need article from Gale in Context: Elementary
13-y/o honored for organizing sock drive for the homeless article from Gale in Context: Elementary
Coalition for the Homeless: Facts about Homelessness website
E-books on Sora, through DOE login
Still a Family picture book (all grades)
The One Day House picture book (all grades)
Paper Things fiction (grades 4 and up)
Crenshaw fiction (grades 4 and up)
On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty nonfiction (grades 5 and up)
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!