Donate

Congressional resolution recognizes Family Service Learning benefits

On Tuesday, September 12, Members of Congress, led by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Corey Booker (D-NJ) and Congressmen John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Sam Johnson (R-TX) introduced a resolution acknowledging the broad benefits of Family Service Learning. The Resolution designates the week of September 11 through 15, 2017, as “National Family Service Learning Week,” and is being supported by over a dozen other congressmen and senators.

Family Service Learning is a model developed by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), through which children and families learn and problem solve together. This multi-generational approach involves active participation in a thoughtfully organized service project that meets the needs of their community. Taking an organized group approach to problem solving gives families the opportunity to fully experience the impact they can make on their community, further building self-confidence. Family Service Learning applies 21st Century college and career readiness skills for both children preparing for college and adults needing relevant workforce training.

Among its many benefits, Family Service Learning improves workforce and literacy skills while enabling parents to become stronger teachers and role models for their children. “I am pleased to see Congress recognize the importance of Family Service Learning. We are seeing great results when families come together to solve a community problem. Whether addressing crime, fostering health and nutrition, or helping people reclaim their communities, these families are building stronger bonds within their own families as well as with others in their communities. Through the process of Family Service Learning, family members are gaining employability skills to improve their socio-economic status and parents are setting an example for their children,” said Sharon Darling, NCFL founder and president.

Results from an independent evaluation of Family Service Learning have found that Family Service Learning can:

  • Expand voice, social capital and networks of participating adults
  • Expand self-efficacy and self-confidence
  • Increase formal learning, including content knowledge, research and academic skills
  • Increase technology skills
  • Increase opportunities to develop work-based skills such as critical thinking and problem solving
  • Improve employment status—53% of participating adults secured a job or improved their existing work status

Learn more about Family Service Learning by exploring: