Awareness and Action in Service

This story is part of a series exploring how KIS practices global citizenship.

Over a decade ago, KIS teachers and students began developing service projects to meet community needs. We started small, a little unsteady but with the intention that students connect awareness of issues to real action.

Awareness of issues like inequality and poverty begins in elementary school where students explore the world, ask questions, and begin to wonder what if. As self-awareness develops in middle school, our students discover the issues that matter most to them. There can be so much passion to do something once you’re aware of an issue or need – we love that energy! We equip students to direct their passion for change into action. 

And action they take! Several high school clubs including NHS, NAHS, EcoGreen School, Global Issues Network, and Social Justice Association are service oriented. The Design Your Impact class challenges individual students to research a problem and partner with local community members to deliver solutions. KIS service coordinator Nate Samuelson helped create The Snapshots Project for high school and college age students to share their service questions and celebrations. Our high school students also participate in the newly annual Service Summit to exchange ideas and strategies for positive change. Schoolwide events like the Oak Tree Run or Suji Love Drive support established local service organizations. 

In the video story below, you’ll learn more about service at KIS and hear from students about the value of being involved.