Reply to SSL Requirement - Forced Volunteerism

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Reply to "SSL Requirement - Forced Volunteerism"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I don't know. How is it legal to require your kid to take math? Gym? English?

Same thing. It's service learning for a reason. [/quote]

Not the same thing.  [b]These "approved" organizations are getting a tangible, measurable financial benefit from the students: the unpaid labor.  [/b]The students are forced to provide if they want to graduate.  Furthermore, these SSL hours happen outside of school hours.  Some students need that time to work, help their families, etc.  Very different from requiring math, english (during school hours) which are for the benefit of the child and are an essential function of school.

Learning about service might be a laudable goal, but forced volunteerism seems a bridge too far (at least).  Parents can teach service and volunteerism but the school shouldn't force it.

After all, how would any of us feel if our employer forced us to do volunteer work at his/her approved list of charities in order to qualify for a promotion.  It wouldn't be accepted in the workplace, why should it be accepted in our schools?  
[/quote]

In most places where my kids have served, with the exception of e.g. A Wider Circle (run by paid employees), ALL labor is unpaid and ALL of the workers are volunteers.  There is no financial benefit derived by A Wider Circle from my kids e.g. sorting household goods or helping clients find things they need.  There is a big social benefit, however.

My 13yo recently worked serving meals and giving socks and toiletries to the homeless on a cold Sunday afternoon.  Among other things, he commented that he was very surprised at how smart many of the people he served were.  He wondered how they could become homeless.  This gave rise to a great conversation about the economy, healthcare system, mental health, and other topics.

I don't understand your post at all.  Who in your view benefitted financially from him dishing up soup that afternoon? [/quote]

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