Service is defined as “an act of helpful activity.”  But how do we know that the service we perform is actually helpful?  The purpose of choosing meaningful service projects is so that we, as Key Clubbers, ensure that what we do really does improve the lives of others.  Of course, Key Club was not the first group to discover the importance of service, so resources are literally everywhere!  Just type in “service projects” on Google and you’ll be amazed at how many people have dedicated a website to lists of helpful and meaningful projects.

What the District Service Committee has done combines many of the most effective and meaningful projects that can be performed by high school students and provides members with an easier way to access them.  By using the Service Directory, clubs can choose a service project specific to their interests by using the symbols placed next to the project’s name and visiting the website provided.  Be sure to read the “Done in the past” section to determine what has already been effective enough to repeat.  If more information about a project is necessary, try using the contact information provided, visiting the website, or contacting your Lieutenant Governor.

So once a project has been chosen, what’s the next step?  Well first you have to convince your members that the activity chosen is helpful, meaningful, and effective.  For this reason, always come prepared with a full explanation of the project and a certain method of accomplishing the task.  Be sure to choose a project that is popular if possible, this way it is more likely that the target of your service has an impact on some of your members.  Most importantly, however, make your project FUN!  Service is not meant to be a burden.  Whatever you decide on, your club members should enjoy improving the community and look forward to doing so again.

The District Service Committee has also provided a slide show teaching the purpose of meaningful service.  Use this resource to help build leadership and planning skills.  The slide show has a few service project ideas that are wide-spread and effective so be sure to use it!

Have fun with everything you do and be sure to utilize ALL your resources, including your K-Family and the District Board!

• Meaningful Service
• Service Directory (August 2009)