Good Turn for America Equals Service Learning

Do you know the hot topics for your state superintendent of education? Have you looked at your state's superintendent of education's strategic plan? You should. You will find some interesting information, including the desire to improve education policy and lifelong learning. Good Turn for America is one avenue for students to fulfill this desire through service learning.

Good Turn for America can help you "connect the dots" and possibly ease your school access challenges. To make this work, you must keep others in mind. How can you help them meet their goals and objectives? Within the education arena, the main focus should be on Good Turn for America as it relates to service learning.

So, how do you get started? Visit www.goodturnforamerica.org.

Look at the letters of support and find your governor's and state superintendent's letters. Every state superintendent of education received a written request from the Chief Scout Executive for a letter of support for Good Turn for America. Each tailored letter addressed the state's educational goals and referenced letters received by its governor. Remember, governors appoint many of the state superintendents of education.
Research your school district. What are the goals, objectives, and directives for the year?
From PAS, run a Good Turn for America "Report by Unit" and total the project information as it relates to the school district.
Write a letter to your district superintendent that explains how Good Turn for America can help meet the district's goals, objectives, and directives. Use this opportunity to demonstrate the impact Scouting has made within that district. Include copies of the governor's and state superintendent's letters of support from the Web site.
Set up a meeting to discuss the opportunity further.
Extend the above process to each of your school principals.

"Please continue programs such as [Good Turn for America] for they will drive young men to be responsible and caring leaders for tomorrow."

—Joseph B. Morton, state superintendent of education, Alabama

"I appreciate hearing about the positive influence Good Turn for America is having on the lives of the many young people who volunteer to help provide food and shelter for those in need and to encourage Americans to make healthy choices."

—Margaret Spellings, U.S. secretary of education

"This impressive program complements our efforts in Massachusetts to promote student learning that requires students to be active learners with activities that connect to the real world."

—David P. Driscoll, commissioner of education, Massachusetts

"The vital lessons of leadership and service young people learn in the Scouting program help build self-discipline and good character, which are two of my priorities as state superintendent."

—Tom Horne, superintendent of public instruction, Arizona

"It has long been said that education is more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. It is also character education, service learning, and practicing to become effective citizens in our society and the world. It is clearly evident that the Good Turn for America program will provide an opportunity for students to participate in programs ... to enhance their education and learn the value of helping others."

—Tom Watkins, superintendent of public instruction, Michigan

"Community service projects are particularly relevant since character education is a required component of New York State's Learning Standards for all students."

—Richard P. Mills, commissioner of education, New York

"Here in Delaware, the Boy Scouts of America offers a safe, productive extracurricular experience...The Delaware Department of Education is currently focusing on ways to promote healthier living among children across the state, and the Boy Scouts will certainly be an important contributor in that effort."

—Valerie A. Woodruff, secretary of education, Delaware

"I strongly believe in community service as a part of the educational process and believe a program such as [Good Turn for America] can only strengthen efforts to educate today's youth."

—Dr. Andy Tompkins, commissioner of education, Kansas

The Merits of Marketing (marketing.scouting.org) is a resource for local councils, developed by the Marketing & Communications Division of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America.