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S O O P |
LIFE-ALTERING SERVICE LEARNING
I read a news blurb sent out from Bluffton College about the tremendous life-changing experiences of students involved in "service learning." This same sort of exciting story emerges regularly from each of our five church colleges now. No question about it — some of the best learning happens when students leave the campus to get involved doing for others!
Lisa Robinson, a Bluffton English professor, observed the effect of the program, "I am thrilled to witness the personal transformation that took place among the honor students and the inner-city kids as the project evolved. Both groups learned more about each other, and realized the power of storytelling."
Robinson said it is not uncommon for personal transformation to occur in courses that utilize service learning. "We are talking about attitude-changing and life-altering experiences happening to Bluffton College students involved in service learning."
This set wheels turning for me. The MARP office happens to be in a strategic location to observe "service learning" occurring every day. Not only do I mix daily with those working with the worthy and creative program of in-home care provided by staff and volunteers connected to Community Home Services, but just next door I see the happy work of the many older volunteers assisting with the Mennonite Central Committee Care and Share shops and the Ten Thousand Villages store. And I am here to tell folks all about another wonderful opportunity called SOOP!
This "service learning" is something all MARP members — well, all older adults — can get free! No college tuition to pay, no academic pressures — just opening our heart to those we choose to serve during a short-term of service while "on the go." This kind of service includes saying "yes" to challenges, offering friendship and our life skills, seeing a need and trying to fill it. The surprises are part of the learning curve. True — no diploma or certificate or award — but it counts anyway! It is alternative learning at its best — at any age. Our life's memory banks fill to the brim with unexpected blessings given and received while thinking and doing — beyond ourselves. The learning also occurs as we serve locally — in family or congregational settings, in our communities.
SOOP is one wonderful outgrowth of this kind of life-long commitment to service in Jesus' name. Again in 2003 hundreds of MARP members (and other older adults in the Anabaptist-related churches) who hear of this call to short-term service gave time, talents and thousands of service hours in 30-plus locations throughout the states and in Canada. The story is so varied it requires book-length telling!
Comments such as "I found I could do without the comforts of home," give evidence that this creative project dubbed "SOOP" brings profound life changes years after earlier learnings surrounded by school bells, tests and report cards.
When older adults extend their life skills — along with their faith and their open-hearted friendship — the dramatic outcome is "attitude-changing and life-altering." |