Writing about Your Service Experience

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Writing in a service-learning program is really no different from other writing situations. You must still identify for yourself the kind of writing you are doing, generate ideas through invention, and refine those ideas through a process of drafting and revision. Service learning, however, may put you in a position to write for a nonacademic audience. For example, you might write an editorial for your campus or local newspaper in which you argue for increased support for your service organization or project. You might craft a letter to local government officials or even representatives to the state or national legislature suggesting a solution to a specific problem. Here are some ideas for using the writing activities discussed in Part One of this textbook:

Chapter 2: Remembering an Event

Chapter 3: Writing Profiles

Chapter 4: Explaining a Concept

Chapter 5: Finding Common Ground

Chapter 6: Arguing a Position

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Chapter 7: Proposing a Solution

Chapter 8: Justifying an Evaluation

Chapter 9: Speculating about Causes