PHILOSOPHY OF SERVICE
Service is central to what we do and who we are. The Road Less Traveled was founded in 1991 on the principle of supporting intentional service opportunities for youth in the places where we travel. We find that the service projects are the glue that bind the group together. Working on a common goal helps challenge our participants to work as a team, communicate with one another and empowers them to support others in their community when they head home. We know that it feels good to do good AND to build stronger friendships while doing it- gosh, what could be better?
But what does service actually look like on our programs?
Our service programs fall within a few categories: environmental stewardship, animal conservation, cultural immersion and community service. Regardless of the goal of the project, the project is community driven. That means the project is defined and directed by the individuals, organizations, and communities within the community where we are visiting. Additionally, we educate our participants on more than just the local culture and concerns of the project. We aim to broaden their global perspective of the issue at hand and help them see how everything is connected. Before and after service experiences, leaders support the processing of our participants' travel experiences individually and as a group. They help participants examine how we each might work to build a world where human life is treated with more equity across the historical barriers of religion, ethnicity, nation, class, and gender. By participating in service and working with local organizations, our participants begin to question cultural assumptions and worldviews. We believe these experiences often transform participants' outlook on the world with a newfound sense of selflessness and enhanced personal autonomy.
For some students, this will be their first service experience and we welcome that. Our leaders are there to help and support them with this. Many of our participants are committed to service before they even begin their trip with The Road Less Traveled and that is undoubtedly a big reason youth and families choose our programs in the first place! Every year we hear the ways in which our participants are committed or recommitting to service within their communities when they return home. Take a look at some questions and guidance that may help you find organizations to partner with in your home community!