TEEN SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS

What is a Service Learning Project?  

Service learning is a form of experiential education in which students address community needs and tackle real-life problems. Through a cycle of action and reflection, students expand their knowledge base and broaden their portfolio of skills, as they move beyond the classroom to become active participants in their learning.

A service learning project could be the perfect fit for a middle/high school community engagement project, scouting project, religious school project, or Bar/Bat Mitzvah project.  

Why do a SLP with No Shame On U?  

Because mental health conditions are increasing and an untreated mental disorder can significantly diminish a person’s quality of life.  Research shows that stigma is one of the key barriers to people seeking mental health care.  Your work will help to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health conditions.  Our goal is for the people who need help to seek it, for family members, and friends to know how to provide proper support and to save lives.  (sources: NAMI, NIMH)

• 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14.

• 1 in 5 13-18 year olds lives with a mental health condition.  

• More than one in four Americans ages 18 or older lives with a diagnosable mental health issue - 26.2%. This means that on average, every family is touched by mental illness. Yet two-thirds of those diagnosed do not get treated.  (sources to above statistics:  NAMI and NIMH)

• In October 2021 the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children's Hospital Association declared a national State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health.  

• In December 2021 the United States surgeon general, Vivek H. Murthy gave a rare public advisory that young people are facing “devastating” mental health effects as a result of the unprecedented challenges experienced in their lifetime, including the COVID-19 pandemic.  

• Research shows that stigma is one of the key barriers to people seeking mental health treatment.

  (Sources: NAMI, MIMH)

How can you help?

• Distribute No Shame On U fact sheets and resources.

• Invite No Shame On U to your place of worship to present a community engagement workshop about Mental Health Awareness and ending stigma.  Invite your family and friends to attend and introduce the program.  

• Create your own presentation about Mental Health with the support of No Shame On U staff to present to your class.  

• Volunteer at a parade, fair, or festival that No Shame On U is attending.  Help us set up and distribute materials.  

• Volunteer at an in-person event with setup, registration, and greeting participants. 

• Create Mental Health Self Care Kits with No Shame On U resources and swag included.  Give out kits to friends at school, youth group, place of worship, or a No Shame On U event. 

• Create a bake sale or other fundraiser with proceeds going to No Shame On U.  We will provide No Shame On U fact sheets and resources.  Your contribution will support the hundreds of programs we do each year.  

• Create bookmarks with the No Shame On U logo to distribute.  This will raise awareness and give people access to resources.  

• Bring No Shame On U to your community carnival.  Create a booth with fun age-appropriate activities for different ages.  Share No Shame On U swag, fact sheets, and information.  

Do you have an idea that is not listed?  Let us know.  We look forward to helping develop the right project for you.  

Please contact Wendy Singer at wendy@noshameonu.org if you would like to do a Service Learning Project with NSOU.