Highlights from the Inspired to Serve Site in Philadelphia

Convened by the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia.

The Inspired to Serve partner city in Philadelphia developed a interfaith service-learning program called Walking the Walk, which teenagers with experiences, skills and resources necessary to live in a diverse world, deepen their own identities, and break through walls that distance and divide them from people of other religious, cultural and economic backgrounds. Each year, groups of 15 to 20 high school youth selected from diverse neighboring congregations gathered 13 times during the school year for interfaith engagement, service-learning, community building, and creative reflection. Each group is led by a group leader, three student alumni of the program and an artist-in-residence. The Walking the Walk curriculum is available for use in other cities. Download a brochure (PDF) about Walking the Walk.

Accomplishments

Youth from the Walking the Walk program with Books Behind bars were inspired to conduct book drives at their schools and to invite peers to the Day of Service.
“Alumni” from the program provided additional leadership by planning the agenda, fundraising, and publicizing the Day of Service.
Religious leaders, adult mentors and parents of youth participants were engaged in the program. Adult mentors became more aware of the impact they can have upon youth, learned to be better mentors and became ‘important people’ in the lives of the youth.
Youth shared many stories of how the interfaith service learning experience helped them improve conflict resolution skills; increase pride in their own heritage and identity; find one’s own voice; strengthen their commitment to addressing issues of social injustices; and learn to ask questions with respect.
Piloted an interfaith service learning immersion through a week-long alternative spring break program for high school students.

Stories

Books Behind Bars

A group of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim high school students in Philadelphia determined that they wanted to make a difference for prisoners while learning about the criminal justice system. They first interviewed a prison chaplain (a rabbi), former inmates, and advocates to understand the challenges that prisoners face. Then they worked with a community organization, Books Through Bars, to respond to prisoners’ requests for books by sending them reading material that matched their interests and reading levels – along with a personal letter. They discovered that the Books Through Bars library didn’t have enough dictionaries, so the young people organized a dictionary drive through their faith communities. They helped address prisoners’ learning and literacy needs while also understanding the shared value of listening to and supporting the dignity of all persons.

Reflection through the Arts

On one Day of Interfaith Youth Service, 117 high school youth gathered to take part in service projects and reflection. One of the service options was to make and donate blankets to an area agency. All youth learned ways to be advocates for those in need. The youth had many choices for the reflective portion of their time. Some chose to write poetry, while others created a collage. As a conclusion, all participants offered commitment statements reflecting a lifelong lesson they learned through the Day of Interfaith Youth Service project.