There are many ways in which you can celebrate the completion of your project – from a simple pizza and ice-cream party to a community forum and reception. What is important is that you have fun, that you recognize and thank everyone who participated in your project in any way, and that you use every opportunity to teach others about the issue you care about and motivate them to join you in future projects. Here are some examples of how to celebrate and sustain your success:
- Organize a fair with decorated tables, each with a spokesperson to share their group’s reflections on their contribution to the service project and their plans for ongoing service. Solicit area businesses for food, music, and awards.
- Hold a concert with local bands, or a youth music competition or talent show and games. Use this opportunity to spread the word about the issue you addressed and engage more youth in future projects.
- Hold a community forum to present your accomplishments and invite public officials to issue proclamations and support your cause.
- Hold a video or slide show about your service project for members of the community.
- Present a play, skits, poems, or songs to teach others about the issue and inspire them to get involved.
- Organize an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding volunteers, sponsors, and community members for their contributions.
- Secure a venue like a local museum or a movie theater to hold a reception and to visit the exhibits or see a movie for free.
- Contact service clubs such Rotary, Lions, or Kiwanis and schedule a presentation of your achievements at one of their members’ meetings.
- Visit the offices or write to your elected officials to share with them what you did, and ask that they support the issue.
- Give away t-shirts, hats, or other donated promotional items to share the success of your project and motivate others to get involved.
- Join the recipients of your service in a shared meal and fun activities.
- Nominate volunteers for or present the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
- Make a scrapbook with photos from your project to share with others and post them on relevant websites.
- Plan a follow-up service project that incorporates lessons you've learned.
- Join a local board or youth commission that deals with issues you care about.
- Become a philanthropist in support of an issue you care about. Research organizations that support the issue and ask them how they can use your support.
- Ask your school to incorporate service around the issue you care about into classroom teaching.
- Work with teachers to help them incorporate service and learning around the issue into their curriculum.
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