As part of NSLP's continuing efforts to listen to and learn from its members, I interviewed 41 leaders in the service-learning field over the summer to garner their feedback on the Partnership's strategic plan.

This feedback process served to:

- affirm the strategic plan's general analysis and direction, with strong support from interviewees regarding the plan's analysis of service-learning's challenges, as well as the planâs proposed priorities, goals, and objectives;
- strengthen connections and relationships with a variety of service-learning leaders; and
- obtain useful input regarding the plan that will be used to strengthen its implementation.

This report, now available on the Partnership website, outlines the broad themes of the feedback I heard during this process. I have also included several pertinent comments that did not necessarily rise to the level of "broad theme," but that I found particularly insightful. At the end of the report, I have included a list of the leaders I had the honor of interviewing during this process.

We encourage you to read the summary of feedback received. In addition, we continue to welcome responses to the stategic plan.

Sincerely,
Anthony Welch

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The Corporation for National and Community Service has announced $4 million for innovative strategies to effectively engage volunteers in service; Youth Service America has announced 100 State Farm "Good Neighbor" awards of $1000, available to youth, teachers, and school-based service-learning coordinators; and Youth Venture will provide $1000 seed grants to young people looking to start their own clubs, organizations, or businesses that give back to their communities. Explore these opportunities and more in this month's Funding and Awards.
LINK

Tying Service-Learning to School Reform
Integrating and sustaining service-learning in your district

On October 15th, Roger Rada, superintendent in Nestucca Valley, OR chatted on line for an hour with over 25 people. Dr. Rada covered a range of topics, including examples of service-learning projects; impact on students and the community; standards, assessment and No Child Left Behind; involving faculty, school boards, and community partners; and funding for service-learning projects.
LINK

Two Service-Learning Educators Win Prestigious Awards
Teacher Wendy Doromal and principal David O'Shields recognized for service-learning work

Wendy Doromal, a teacher at Timber Creek High School in Orange County, FL., was named one of five recipients of the Horace Mann-National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. Doromal, a reading teacher, organized the service-learning council at Timber Creek. Meanwhile, Clinton, SC middle school principal David O'Shields received the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award for his work to reorganize his school around effective instructional practices, including service-learning. LINK

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Four Service-Learning Videos from Kellogg Foundation Available
Four videos and an interactive CD are available free from the Partnership, in collaboration with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Learning In Deed initiative, and service-learning practicioners.
LINK

Summary of Feedback on the Partnership' Strategic Plan
Board Chair Anthony Welch spoke to 41 service-learning leaders about the Partnership's strategic plan this summer; link to a summary of their responses.
LINK

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-- Janet Wright, program director for the Nevada Service-Learning Partnership.

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