Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Do you have a culturally diverse library? Use a spreadsheet to analyze and discuss the cultural representation of a library's collection. Look for gaps and make a proposal to grow the diversity of the books and challenge yourself and others to learn about people and the world from different perspectives.
The "Open Doors to Your Community" project is a virtual door that guides young people to the actual door of local resources so they can learn about their community, take action, and build connections and understanding of their roles in community.
What Is the Purpose...
In“The Librarian of Basra: A true story from Iraq,” Jeanette Winter brings to light the courage, innovation, and strength of a Muslim woman who saved 30,000 library books from bombing during the war in the Middle East. Alia Muhammad Baker organized her community to shelter books in...
We are taught to love all humans and help others, but as a society we tend to be less empathetic when we come face-to-face with someone experiencing homelessness and poverty. Breaking the general stereotypes associated with homelessness and poverty with information and ideas may greatly help individuals who are experiencing such struggles. This toolkit provides information, activities, and resources to help youth use their voice, heart, and hands to take big and small actions for a meaningful purpose.
Learning about issues and using our voice is a right and a civic responsibility and vital to a healthy democracy. Teaching youth at the earliest ages about using their voice prepares them to be civically engaged as adults. It teaches them to learn more about issues and see each person as a valued member of society with an equal vote and an important voice.
A passion for service can begin at a very young age. “The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver” chronicles the inspirational life of George Washington Carver. This beautifully illustrated book goes beyond Carver’s acclaim as an African American scientist, celebrating his...
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: Amanda Gorman, the U.S. Youth Poet Laureate, shared this poem "Earthwise" in 2018 on the stage in front of other climate activists. Through discussion, youth examine environmental stewardship and our role as caring citizens.
Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Read aloud to someone from literature that inspires and promotes conversation. The act of reading to someone younger is gift enough - it gives attention, joy, and caring - but we add to the service when the book encourages us to talk about important ideas that build community.
Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Share your knowledge and ideas for action about an issue you care about through writing and illustrating an ABC book. This format is great for teaching younger children (or anyone) about the vocabulary of inclusion and respect. Alternatively, write lyrics to a song and perform it to share your passion.
Ignite meaningful action that lights up the world through "Service Sparks" youth projects! Contact a local animal shelter to find out what their needs are. It is easy to make comfort toys and blankets for the animals who are waiting to be adopted.