Cathryn Berger Kaye's book The Complete Guide to Service Learning is like an encyclopedia of volunteering. Each section of the book focuses on a theme—early chapters explain exactly what service learning is, while later chapters are each dedicated to a particular area of service. Working with endangered animals, AIDS education and awareness, gardening, and literacy are just a few of the categories of service identified. Whether your family wants to get an overview of volunteering or wants to dive headfirst into one cause, The Complete Guide to Service Learning can both get you started and serve as a reference along the way. Ms. Kaye lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters.
Why did you decide to write a book specifically about service learning?
Young people become truly engaged in education when applying their skills, talents, energy, and knowledge to benefit the community. Families also become enriched by time spent together in service. The Complete Guide to Service Learning is a result of over 20 years involved in both!
Is there a difference between family volunteering and families participating in service learning?
I prefer the term “family service.” What actually matters most is that the activities they do as a family build on the interests and talents of the children, and of course are age appropriate. This is about quality time together, learning about issues of importance, and getting involved in community.
How would you recommend that families who are new to service learning use your book?
The first two chapters give a background to service learning that can help parents understand why service matters. Chapter three introduces the idea of literature being extremely helpful whether the service is initiated in a classroom or around the kitchen table. Books introduce ideas and educate about topics – a well-chosen book can stimulate a family to take action. Then the eleven thematic chapters offer a wealth of ideas and specific book titles even web sites that a family can use to keep involved and select a direction for their service.
Why is it important for families to volunteer and participate in service learning together?
Parents want to have quality time with their children. Family service creates a common experience, opportunities for meaningful moments where each member can contribute.
Are there challenges or barriers that would intimidate families to participate in service learning?
Often families, parents in particular, are overwhelmed by the idea of adding one more “have to do this” to the family schedule. If instead, family service is seen as something they “get” to do, treasured time, then making this a priority can overcome most challenges. Start simple. Two hours a month can be just fine. Join with other families and take turns making the plans. And always remember to listen to what the youth say – following their lead really helps.
Can service learning help bring families closer together? If so, how?
Quality time spent together goes a long way, particularly with teens. Whatever the age of the child, parents and their young ones tend to see each other with new eyes when doing service. Conversation is not about getting homework done or bedtime – family members discuss having ample food at the food bank, or the conversation with the elder man at the nursing home who also likes watching football. This is about setting time aside to be of use, to think together about others, and to show that each person can make a contribution. What a wonderful way to come to know and value each family member!
You divided the book into eleven different topic areas — for example, social change, community safety, and literacy. In your experience, how are families drawn to particular issues or topics?
When my children were young, I listened to their questions intently, such as, “Why is that man asking for money?” or “Can I catch AIDS from a kid at school?” or “Why is that wall covered in words?” Kids know about the world – they listen, they watch, and they ask. Parents can also help clarify misunderstandings and replace stereotypes with understanding through literature and first hand experience. Our family helped in food banks, prepared meals for people living with HIV, and painted out graffiti. So finding the issue or topic depends on the child and also what the family may talk about at the dinner table.
You include author interviews at the end of each themed chapter. How do these interviews help the families understand service learning?
I use books – picture books, nonfiction and fiction – with all young people. I have always been curious about the story behind the story – what makes a person write on one of the themes. These interviews answer that question and hopefully awaken the writer in each of us!
Many pages of the book have quotes, said by everyone from Gandhi to Groucho Marx. How have these quotations inspired your work?
These bite size morsels of inspiration are truly delicious. When my daughter was in 7 th grade, she had a math book with quotes! We both became quote-a-holics and find that uplifting words help carry us forward to do the good work that needs to be done.
Do you and your family volunteer together? What kinds of service learning projects do you enjoy doing with each other?
My daughters are both in college and each do service where they live and study. Every Thanksgiving we continue our tradition of serving families in need before we have our own meal. One of my daughters also began a project called A Book In Hand – providing books to young people who don't have books in their homes. We talk about service and share ideas often. Service is part of the thread that holds us together.
