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Service Types
Below various types of
service are listed and briefly defined. Several caveats are in order: This
is probably not a complete list; other types may exist as well. The types
are not mutually exclusive - sometimes they overlap - but it is nonetheless
helpful to identify different categories. The definitions are not intended
to be definitive, but only to convey the general meaning of different types
of service for the purposes of the Global Service Institute.
Youth
Service
Youth service is targeted to young people. Most often this is teens or young
adults, ages 16 to 24, but can also include younger children. Youth service
programs are often structured as intensive and extended experiences, say full-time
for six months or a year, and participants often receive some type of support
to enable them to serve.
Senior
or Elder Service
Senior or elder service is targeted to those who are beyond their employment
and family raising years. A senior may be defined from as early as age 50,
depending on the policy and program definition, which in turn is significantly
influenced by a society's culture and life expectancy. Participants may receive
some type of support to enable them to serve.
Service
Learning
Service learning is a pedagogical method wherein students learn through active
engagement and participation in service. Service learning may be sponsored
by any organization, but occurs most often in primary or secondary schools,
trade and professional schools, colleges and universities, and continuing
education programs. Service learning is a planned and structured service experience,
with time for systematic reflection.
Service
in Higher Education
Higher education is a form of service that is sponsored by post-secondary
colleges or universities, in partnership with local organizations, to provide
a supportive and active environment for civic engagement and community development.
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate. Programs vary
in purpose and design. Some are purely voluntary; in other cases, faculty
and staff job performance is evaluated based on level of participation. Students
may or may not receive academic credit for participation.
National
Service
National service is a policy or program initiated by government for citizens
and residents to serve the nation. The government may run the program, but
more often non-governmental organizations receive public funding to implement
and administer the service program.
International
Service
International service refers to a service project or experience that takes
place in a country that is not the home country of the server. International
service may be led by either governmental or non-governmental organizations.
Transnational
Service
Transnational service has a slightly different meaning; it refers to a service
project that is organized and carried out by two or more nations working in
cooperation. Transnational service may be led by either governmental or non-governmental
organizations.
Faith-Based
Service
Faith-based service is organized by religious organizations, to provide opportunities
for service as an expression of faith. For GSI, this does not include missionary
and other evangelical activities, but rather service that contributes to social
and economic development, environmental protection, and other non-religious
goals.
Community
Service
Community service is a very general term that refers to service that is local
and typically organized by a non-profit organization.
Judicial
Community Service
Judicial community service refers to service performed as a form of restitution
for a crime. Judicial community service is used as a form of alternative sentencing,
to avoid incarceration.
Corporate
Service
Corporate service refers to service supported by an employer, typically in
the private for-profit sector. The form of support can range from sponsorship
and financial resources for the service to just allowing an employee the time
off to serve.
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