Definitions

The definitions below have been prepared in consultation with the Steering Committee of IANYS. (Comment: "It must be noted that the need to translate the definitions as well as local language usages may require a few changes. Also, it is probably good to consider them as interim definitions. Your suggestions, as well as our future conference discussions, may produce better ones." Don Eberly, Honorary President of IANYS, October 2000.)

1. National Youth Service

"National Youth Service (NYS) is an organized activity in which young people serve others and the environment in ways that contribute positively to society. NYS participants normally serve full-time for six months to two years and receive support - whether from NGOs or government - sufficient to enable them to serve."

The meaning of national youth service in different countries varies; it is increasingly taking a place alongside education and work as an activity for young people that is constructive in itself and is an investment in the future.

The common feature of national youth service programs is the involvement of young people in service to others and to the environment, usually for a period of six months to two years. Major areas of service are health, education, environmental conservation, and care for the very old and the very young.

National youth service also embraces service-learning, where students utilize their education to serve others and where students reflect on their service experiences to inform their learning. Service- learning in secondary school is often a prelude to full-time national youth service.

2. International Association of National Youth Service (IANYS)

IANYS was established in 1996 to stimulate and facilitate the exchange of information about NYS, and to help realize the promise of NYS. Delegates to its five biennial conferences to date have come from six continents and have included NYS participants, government and NGO officials, university professors and researchers, and others interested in NYS. (More information)

3. Service Learning

In service-learning, students at schools and universities, as well as young people serving in full-time service programs, use their education and talents to serve others and then reflect on their service experiences to inform their learning. In formal education, some form of academic recognition, such as academic credit or fulfilling a curricular or graduation requirement, is often given for evidence of learning acquired.

The (US) Corporation for National Service defines service-learning as an educational method:

·         under which students or participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of a community;

·         which is coordinated within an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or community service program, and with the community;

·         which helps foster civic responsibility;

·         which is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the educational components of the community service program in which the participant is enrolled;

·         and which provides structured time for the students or participants to reflect on the service experience.

4. Voluntary service

UNESCO defines voluntary service as altruistic commitment by people who give their time and/or their expertise voluntarily and free of charge, in a formal context, for a given period. Voluntary service requires a number of practical arrangements, such as the payment of subsistence and transport costs and social security coverage for the volunteer.