# Choosing your service learning experience

{% hint style="info" %}
**Service learning** benefits everyone involved. You will acquire a range of valuable skills and the community will benefit from your time and involvement. 
{% endhint %}

![](https://4065530-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MGOgpNCLefSW7bjr7W-%2F-MGUqj2x6Jv4JnNfE_XG%2F-MGUslRHySlP9nCzz4iv%2Fzachary-nelson-98Elr-LIvD8-unsplash.jpg?alt=media\&token=da573a9a-edbc-4dd6-80b9-944521089cb9)

| *Image:* [*Nelson, Zachary.*](https://unsplash.com/photos/98Elr-LIvD8) *Unsplash, 2017.* |
| :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |

Service learning is most effective as a **regular and ongoing experience**, so consider activities where you can make a regular contribution. Your **own school community** could provide you with a starting point for a wide range of service learning opportunities.

{% hint style="warning" %}
However, a word of caution: there are some activities that **don’t** qualify. 
{% endhint %}

Any work that is paid **cannot** be included. So, if your athletics coaching or lifeguarding is paid, it cannot form part of service learning. Also, take care with **fundraising**. For fundraising to have meaning it must be clear that there is a direct and genuine benefit for others, not just to raise money for a visit where you are the main beneficiary!

You need to find activities which will meet the **five learning outcomes** established by the IB:

* Identify your **own strengths** and areas for growth.
* Demonstrate **participation** with service learning.
* Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working **collaboratively**.
* Demonstrate engagement with issues of **globa**l significance.
* Recognize and consider the **ethics** of decisions and actions.

{% hint style="info" %}
Completion of the **CP service learning requirement** is dependent on meeting these five outcomes. 
{% endhint %}

The evidence for meeting these requirements will be your [**portfolio**](https://app.gitbook.com/@faria-education-group/s/cp-service-learning/portfolio) and the **three formal interviews** with your [service learning coordinator or advisor](https://app.gitbook.com/@faria-education-group/s/cp-service-learning/your-advisor).