Unlock your untapped potential to address pressing social challenges.
A step by step guide using the principles of systems change leadership for anyone to apply their current strengths and resources to social challenges. A framework for action, developing the skills and awareness that all young people need to make a positive difference in the world.
Apprenticing with a problem allows passionate teenagers to gain a deeper understanding of systemic inequalities, build relationships with those directly impacted, and develop effective, sustainable solutions that create a lasting impact in their lives and communities.
The Service Academy Framework is a step-by-step guide of how to engage the world in an authentic and impactful way.
Social impact is first self-understanding...
… followed by a process to develop a deep understanding of the social issue you’re trying to address.
This means taking the time to understand the root causes of the issue, the systems and structures that perpetuate it, and the perspectives and experiences of the people who are directly impacted. It also means understanding the existing solutions that have been tried, and what has worked and what hasn’t.
Deep understanding precedes effective engagement and impactful actions.
The process is intended to be iterated, repeated, and improved upon each time. The meaningful impact is as important as the journey itself and is designed to create New Service experiences and develop the life outcomes young people value.
Brainstorm: Print this image out and grab a marker, fill in details for each of the outer circles.
If you are inspired by working with children, you’re good at organizing and building a team and education inequality is a known challenge in your community, you have the contours of an incredible “New Service” activity!
Gather the motivation and courage to take action, to be an agent of change that make a difference in the world.
Because you care. This will be the driving force behind achieving meaningful personal development and lasting social change.
Think inside more than out, if your are inspired to teach, lead, mentor, connect, problem solve, that is your guiding light.
The combination of caring, powered by a personal ambition and thoughtfully applied action can change everything, for you and those you choose to help.
Identifying and celebrating my social impact assets and personal ambitions.
Consider who you are and your ambitions in the language of purpose versus achievement.
Motivated by purpose and powered by passion, pick a pathway to realize your life and social impact goals.
The only thing that really matters in social impact work is that you understand the problems you are trying to help solve (even more than your driving passion to do good).
Problem understanding comes from a nuanced appreciation of “lived experience”, the human impact, the exploration of root causes.
Thousands of professionals are working on the problems you care about. Find them, share your passion and committment to listen, understand and help.
Answer ‘what can I do to make exisiting solutions work better?’ That is your pathway to social imact through apprenticing with problems you care about.
Answer these 3 questions to align your thinking –
ONE - If you knew you were going to succeed at whatever you did, what would you do or be?
TWO - If you knew you had $100 million in the bank, what would you do or be?
THREE - If you knew you only had 6 months left to live, what would you do or be?
Declare Your Vision & Intention
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Apply your signature skills and resources, powered by your passion for positive change to the places where you will make the largest possible impact in your community.
Act while honoring the experience of those directly impacted by systemic inequality and aknowledging that systemic challenges require a commitment to both addressing the root causes of the issue and supporting those most impacted by it.
Bring your best, this is your moment. Grow your social capital.
Ask questions, pay attentoin, gather..
Ask for feedback
Capture your immediate experience, what was working and what wasn't; tell you story…
Think about how your experience can be generative and motivating for the future you and other aspiring young systems change leaders.
Congrats – you’ve accomplished a New Service Activity! Celebrate that you brought an idea into reality, and connected your service activities with your aspirations.
Reflect on your early brainstorm ideas and the impact your New Service Activity has had on your approach to your personal develoment and how you can apply your strenghts to improve the world. –
Now that you’re completed your New Service Activity, do the debrief to learn what worked well and what can be improved.
So others can bring your New Service Activity to life in their communities, share your New Service Activity Plan with us and we’ll add it to our library.
Continue on your path and learn more about Social Innovation and New Service.
