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Service Learning: Fostering Citizenship and Democracy

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Service learning programs provide participants opportunities to apply their skills and education to community-level issues. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) incorporates service learning in a variety of programs, from our university courses in Georgia to democracy camps in the Maldives. For International Youth Day we are highlighting benefits and challenges of service learning. International Youth day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of issues affecting young people. Building strong community bonds and a sense of citizenship is critical to youth engagement. IFES partners with civil society organizations and educational institutions around the world to integrate service learning into our youth programs. For this podcast IFES Youth Adviser Augusta Featherston spoke with her counterpart Susan Stroud, Executive Director of Innovations in Civic Participation, about service learning trends and how it can foster the foundations of democracy. Ms. Stroud was instrumental in the creation of the U.S.’ AmeriCorps program and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Learn more about IFES Youth Program and Innovations in Civic Participation.