Frequently Asked Questions about Service
What
is service?
GSI's working definition is: Service can be defined as an organized
period of substantial engagement and contribution to the community,
society, or world, sponsored by a public or private organization, recognized
and valued by society, with minimal monetary compensation to the participant.
Is service
voluntary or compulsory?
There is a wide range. All service programs have conditions of service
required of those who serve. So-called voluntary programs require participants
to show up on time and perform in a satisfactory manner. So-called compulsory
programs have voluntary elements. For example, many high schools in
the USA have said that service-learning is a requirement for high school
graduation. But students may have great flexibility and choice in how
they meet their requirement.
Do people
get paid for service?
Persons in full-time service often receive a level of support that permits
them to serve, but not so much that it becomes the primary motivation
for serving. Participants serving in villages may be provided food and
accommodation by the village, while their training, transportation and
medical care may be provided by the government. Those serving in individual
assignments in big cities may receive a stipend sufficient to cover
rent, food, and other essential costs. Persons in part-time service
often live at home and receive no stipend, although they may receive
incidental expenses, such as money for traveling to the site of the
service project.
What
is national youth service?
National Youth Service (NYS) is an organized activity on the part of
the national government in which young people serve others or the environment.
NYS participants normally serve full-time for six months to two years
and receive support sufficient enough to enable them to serve. (For
more information on NYS, click here)
What
is service-learning?
Service learning is a planned, systematic process of people learning
from their service experiences. Service learning often accompanies service
sponsored by educational institutions.
