Why do I have to do service learning?
Serivce Learning is an integral part of Catholic education and Mitty’s goal to form respectful, just, and faith-filled leaders. The Service Learning Program provides students with the opportunity to witness their commitment to Christian values through service to the wider community.
How many hours do I need to complete?
Students need to complete 20 hours of Service Learning each school year. Most students complete all 20 hours at an outside agency, which we call Service in Solidarity. Sometimes students who volunteer significant amounts of time to help the school are awarded up to 5 hours for Service in Support. This means they only need to complete at least 15 hours of Service in Solidarity at an outside agency.
Where can I serve?
Students must serve with nonprofit agencies that meets the criteria. We ask that service performed is with direct interaction with people. For example, if you are working at a school, you should be tutoring and working directly with the children, not filing papers or grading. If you are working at a hospital, you should be directly interacting with the patients, not doing janitorial work or food prep. If you are volunteering with a sports team, you should be coaching, not score-keeping or working in the snack stand.
What is the thematic requirement for Juniors & Seniors?
Juniors & Seniors must provide direct serve to marginalized communities so that they are challenged to explore new ways to serve and are able to connect their work to the religious studies curriculum. The term marginalized refers to those who live on the margins of our society and are often underserved. This group includes persons who are disadvantaged by poverty, disabled persons, elderly persons, and persons in hospice care. If you have questions about whether your agency fits the theme please ask your religion teacher or stop by Campus Ministry to talk to the Service and Justice coordinator.
Can I work at multiple agencies?
You need to complete a minimum requirement of 20 hours at one agency. This is to encourage students to build relationships at their chosen agency and to demonstrate loyalty to a cause. Once you have completed your 20 required hours you are more than welcome to continue serving at other agencies!
When can I start my service?
Service hours for each school year begins on June 1. The service requirement can begin and be completed during the summer.
How do I log my hours?
For Service in Solidrity hours log into Mobile Serve. Accounts are created for you under your school email. Once logged in enter the pertinent information (date of service, number of hours served, name of nonprofit agency, description of service duties). Then you must include at least 2 types of verification from the following list.
How do I get my hours verified?
After you enter your hours on Mobile Serve with two types of verification, a member in Campus Ministry will review and approve your hours. If there are any errors or questions you will be notified through email.
How do I keep track of my hours so that I am sure that I get credit?
It is best if you record your hours each time you volunteer. If it is a situation where you volunteer regularly submit your hours at least every month. If your agency log sheet has multiple days of service you do not have to enter each day individually. You can enter the total hours on the log sheet.
What if I started or finished my hours over the summer and didn’t have a log sheet ?
A typed letter describing the work that you did and the total number of hours served that is signed by an adult supervisor is sufficient. You will upload this letter as a photo to your Mobile Serve account.
Can I complete over 20 hours freshman year and have it count for sophomore year?
No. You will complete 20 hours of service learning each of your four years at Archbishop Mitty.
Once I complete my initial 20 hours, may I serve at other agencies?
Yes. Your minimum 20 hours must be at one agency, but you are encouraged to serve as many hours as possible at any agencies of your choosing.
Can I work at the same agency all four years?
Since juniors and seniors must adhere to specific themes, you will most likely need to explore a different agency for Junior and Sernior year. If you serve at a service location that serves marginalized communities freshman and sophomore year, you do not need to switch locations.
Can I go back to my old school to do my service hours?
Yes, provided that you are a Freshman or Sophomore and that you work directly with students and do not perform administrative or janitorial tasks. Tutoring and coaching meet the criteria for our Service Learning program, but filing and similar office work does not.
Can I be a coach?
Once again, you are required to work directly with the children. Work such as maintaining fields or selling food and drinks in a snack shack does not earn Service Learning hours.
Can I perform my hours through fundraising events such as Relay for Life or the March of Dimes?
Only preparation and committee work for these events earn service hours, not time spent walking around a track or course. If you spend at least 10 hours as a leader who helps to organize dimensions of these events, that meets the Service Learning requirement.
If I play a sport, can I still do Cornerstone?
You will not be able to participate in Cornerstone during your sport season, as your practice times will conflict with the Monday/Tuesday afternoon service outings. Since there is a fall group and a spring group, be sure to apply for the Cornerstone session that fits your schedule.
What should I do if I have more questions?
You can always ask your religion teacher, visit Campus Ministry or contact the Coordinator of Service and Justice Shannon McLeod