Service-Learning Trip – Arizona: Social Issues Today in Phoenix

Start the morning with a brief orientation, where you’ll discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how you can apply what you learn to your daily life upon returning home. Note: Service activities can be developed based on group needs and requests.

Many cities have issues regarding affordable housing and homelessness, and natural disasters have only made the issue worse. These issues persist in different neighborhoods throughout Phoenix. Working on housing and homelessness is not only a great way to help the city rebuild but also an important way to learn its history. Projects may include: • Home rebuilding and construction • Vacant lot clearing • Assisting local homeless shelters

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

The museum is the city’s only prehistoric Hohokam archaeological site. The Pueblo Grande Ruin and Irrigation Sites date before Columbus came to North America and include a prehistoric platform mound and irrigation canals.

This evening, enjoy a group dinner followed by time to reflect on the day's activities and discuss what you’ve learned.

Put on your dancing shoes and learn how to line dance!

Begin the day with a brief orientation to discuss the day's service activity. You’ll cover the importance and relevance of the project as well as how you can apply what you learn to your daily life.

A city is made up of many vibrant and unique neighborhoods, each with its own history, culture, highlights, and challenges. Neighborhood revitalization emphasizes residents’ quality of life, specifically in low-income areas. This approach is a great way to support Phoenix while learning more about what makes the city special—its people and neighborhoods. Projects may include: • Neighborhood and park beautification projects (murals, plantings, etc.) • Park clean-up and planting • Blighted property and lot clean-up • Community center support • Neighborhood canvassing and surveying • Storm drain clearing

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Enjoy a walking tour of Phoenix to see the various historical sites and what makes the city is so unique.

Enjoy dinner together.

This evening, you’ll view a documentary relating to Phoenix, the importance of your service work, and how it’s benefiting the area. Afterward, there will be time for discussion and reflection.

Start the morning with a brief orientation, where you’ll discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how you can apply what you learn to your life upon returning home.

Environmental sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing the country today. From rising sea levels to sinking wetlands and bayous to natural disasters, the future is dependent upon responding and adapting to climate change. Environmental sustainability projects not only have an immense impact on the community but also provide great educational opportunities for the volunteers. Projects may include: • Working in public green spaces and urban gardens/farms • Ecosystem restoration • Conservation and disaster management projects • Planting trees and rain gardens in flood-prone areas

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Explore the Desert Botanical Gardens, which is a 140-acre botanical garden with over 50,000 plants.

Enjoy dinner as a group, followed by some reflection and discussion time.

This evening, your group will go on a stargazing adventure.

Begin the day with a brief orientation to discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how you can apply what you learn to your life.

Education is the key component to the sustainability, long-term growth, and prosperity of a city. From elementary school to high school, a community can only go as far as the quality of its education system. Unfortunately, work is still needed at many schools across the country. Education-related volunteer projects not only provide the communities served with both short- and long-term benefits but they also highlight the challenges and benefits of the education system. Projects may include: • School and playground beautification • Classroom and library organization • Painting classrooms • Technology support

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

This afternoon, you’ll visit one of Phoenix’s many museums.

Enjoy dinner together followed by time to reflect on the day’s activities and discuss what you’ve learned.

Start the morning with a brief orientation, where you’ll discuss the day's service activity, the importance and relevance of the project, and how you can apply what you learn to your daily life upon returning home.

The arts have a tremendous ability to change individuals and groups in positive ways—they can also improve the local economy and increase residents’ quality of life. Volunteer art projects can help cultivate community by communicating the area’s history and bridging the gap between cultures. Projects may include: • Mural painting • Museum or community art center support • Cemetery clean-up • Working at a local art or music festival

Lunch will be provided at the project site.

Take time this afternoon for sightseeing and souvenir shopping at your leisure.

This evening, you’ll make the final entries in your Reflection Journal and share some of the most significant observations and perspectives that have taken shape throughout your Service-Learning week in Phoenix. We’ll also discuss how these experiences may be most relevant for us all as we return home.

Tonight, your group will go to a drive-in movie!

Your rewarding and enjoyable Service-Learning in Phoenix program comes to an end as your Tour Director accompanies your group to the airport on your final day.