One of the requirements to graduate for all seniors is to acquire fifteen hours of community service, and have them submitted to their government teachers by January 12. This can be done in a variety of ways, whether that involves helping with a political campaign, or getting the hours done elsewhere; there are many ways to go about getting your fifteen hours.
Many students decide to get their hours by volunteering for a political campaign, and luckily for them, there are many opportunities this year with the gubernatorial race going on right now, as well as other district races.
Non-political opportunities are also available for many students too, but they have to be for a non-profit organization that is not affiliated with any political party or cause, and they have to benefit the community, not just a local church. Community service projects cannot be performed for Fairfax County Public Schools either, so our seniors will have to branch out into the community.
Paul Huddleston (12) says, “For my community service this year I am performing a service project at Providence Recreation center where we will be cleaning the surrounding areas.” That’s a great way to help the community—good idea Paul!
Another student, Joe Mack (12), says, “I’m helping out with a political campaign, going door-to-door and spreading awareness about the upcoming elections. I’m glad that the election for governor is soon, there are plenty of spots.” Joe is right, there are many opportunities within the campaigns, not only for governor, but also for the local elections, and they are always accepting volunteers.
After completing their 15 hours, students must first have their supervisor sign on their hours sheet, so the hours are validated. The supervisor also rates the student’s performance in a variety of areas like reliability or maturity. Then the student must fill out a reflection; if they did the political campaign, they must state who they campaigned for and their views, as well as what this experience taught them about democracy. For the community service projects, the reflection asks what the activities were, and how the experience as a whole has affected the student.
Many seniors are already off to a good start on their projects, but there is still plenty of time for those who have not, but don’t wait too long to get started.