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Maryland Student Service Alliance

Maryland Youth Linking Hands Around the World

Maryland's 10th Annual Service-Learning Conference

Thursday, March 22, 2001
at Villa Julie College in Stevenson, Maryland

School chests in Kenya!

Nearly 1200 people from across Maryland attended the 10th Annual Service-Learning Conference on March 22, 2001. Conference 2001, with the theme "Maryland Youth Linking Hands Around the World," showcased the power students have to make change when they work together to address real community needs. The event provided an opportunity for students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members to join together in celebration while learning how to enhance their service-learning opportunities.

The day began with the traditional celebration of Maryland's "Service Stars," high school students engaged in outstanding service to their community. Master of Ceremonies Dontá Davis, a Service Star from Baltimore City, led participants through the evolution of service-learning in Maryland as they heard from Julie Hocker, a student in Harford County; Patti Adkins, a vice-principal from Wicomico County; and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Maryland's Lieutenant Governor and long-time supporter of service-learning.

Conference attendees participated in two learning sessions where they: engaged in interactive workshops; participated in direct and indirect service projects; explored the root causes of some of today's current social issues during town meetings, and/or interacted with Service Stars through roundtable discussions to discover the formula for meaningful service-learning.

The day concluded with the culmination of Maryland's statewide service-learning project, "Maryland to Kenya," an American Red Cross School Chest Initiative. State Superintendent of Schools, Nancy Grasmick, congratulated students and educators for their efforts to help students in Kenya by providing school supplies. John Njenga, a former resident and teacher in Kenya and current American Red Cross volunteer, was on hand to give a first-hand description of life in Kenya and to express his appreciation of our students' efforts. When the final Chest count was completed, students in Maryland had filled 171 School Chests for Kenya - a new Red Cross record! Congratulations to all who participated in this worthwhile event!

Plans are currently underway for Conference 2002, scheduled for Wednesday March 6th at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore. The conference will again feature Service Stars, a Service Fair, the statewide Student Photo Exhibit, service projects, town meetings, and interactive workshops. Keep an eye on this website for details on presenting and attending this informative day of service.

See these photos from the conference:

Photos from the Fellows Retreat:

Through interactive workshops and service projects, you will experience new ways to improve the quality of service-learning in Maryland. You will also participate in the culmination and celebration of a statewide service-learning project, presented through a special collaboration with the American Red Cross. Celebrate 2001: The International Year of Volunteers by participating in this exciting and motivating event that celebrates Maryland's spirit of giving!

Preliminary Agenda

 7:30 -  9:30   Registration
 8:00 - 12:45   Service Fair and Resource Fair
 8:00 -  9:15   Service Stars Breakfast (by invitation only)
 9:30 - 10:15   Opening Plenary and Service Stars Awards
10:30 - 12:00   Concurrent Sessions I*
12:00 - 12:45   Lunch
12:45 -  2:15   Concurrent Sessions II*
 2:15 -  3:30   Maryland to Kenya: Chest Initiative Celebration
 3:30           Conference Ends

* Includes Roundtables, Service Projects, Town Meetings, and Workshops

Service Fair

We provide an opportunity for groups to showcase excellent service-learning projects through a Service Fair. Projects will be on display through most of the day so attendees can draw upon this valuable service-learning information and you can share your expertise with others. The display should be tabletop, roughly 4' x 3' in size. A suggested format would be a free standing, three panel poster board display that clearly demonstrates the scope and positive impact of the service-learning project through pictures, newspaper clippings, letters, student reflection, and artwork. Handouts that conference attendees may take with them are also appropriate. Service Fair set-up is between 7:00 and 8:00 am. MSSA requests that you staff your display at least during the highest traffic times, from set-up through 10:30 and during the noon to 1:00 lunch hour. Your presence is important so you can answer questions and provide further insight into your service project.

Resource Fair

We provide an opportunity for organizations working with students and schools to participate in a Resource Fair. Organizations are encouraged to exhibit displays that express information as to who they are, what they do, and how they are involved in service-learning. A 6' table and two chairs will be provided during the conference. You may want to bring a tabletop display to showcase you organization, as well as handouts or brochures that conference attendees may take with them. Set-up is from 7:00 - 8:00 am. MSSA requests that you staff your table at least during the highest traffic times, from set-up through 10:30 and during the noon to 1:00 lunch hour. Your presence is important so you can answer questions and provide further insight about your organization.

To register for the conference, you must contact Tracey Seabolt at tseabolt@msde.state.md.us or 410-767-0365. You must complete a registration form here only if you wish to host a workshop and/or display (these activities are optional).

This conference is presented through a partnership of the Maryland Student Service Alliance and the Maryland State Department of Education with:

See the directions to Villa Julie College, and the campus map. For more information please call MSSA at 410-767-0358 or email Tracey Seabolt at tseabolt@msde.state.md.us.

Maryland Student Service Alliance
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201