2008 Asia-US Service-Learning: Service Project Groups

Homelessness & Poverty Group

Topic Issues

• Root causes of homelessness in urban and suburban areas
• Services provided by the government, NPOs, educational institutions, and corporations

Sample Projects and Activities

• Delivery of meals to bed-ridden AIDS/HIV patients: Project Open Hand
• Work in soup kitchen and thrift shop: St. Anthony Foundation
• Affordable housing construction project: Habitat for Humanity
• Street retreat with Faithful Fools: understanding poverty through the eyes of the impoverished

Environment & Sustainability Group

Topic Issues

• Water use issues
• Energy consumption
• Climate issues
• Conventional, organic, and sustainable agriculture

Sample Projects and Activities

• Discussion on sustainable agriculture education, service work in organic garden: Slide Ranch agriculture education center
• Non-native plant restoration projects: Forest of Nisene Marks and Crissy Field
• Discussion panel on water usage with lobbyists and legislators: Sacramento
• San Francisco tree planting project: Friends of the Urban Forest

Health and Disabilities Group

Topic Issues

• Social attitudes and inclusiveness towards people with disabilities
• HIV/AIDS
• Care of the elderly and aging societies
• Care for the underserved communities

Sample Projects and Activities

• Three days volunteering as counselors with disabled children: Camp Costanoan
• Art project with disabled veterans: Veterans Affairs Hospital
• Discussion on mental disabilities and tour of clinic
• Visit and art project: Kimochi senior citizen center