By: Angela Carlson, Project Development Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities

I’ll bet if you asked a dozen people what service learning was, you’d get a multitude of answers.  The Learn and Serve Clearinghouse, a branch of the Corporation for National and Community Service offers this explanation:

                Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic  responsibility, and strengthen communities.

It is with this ideal in mind, that HandsOn Network developed TeamWorks with a model of engaging a group of 8-12 people in a series of discussions and volunteer opportunities, giving them the opportunity to serve, learn, and emerge as community leaders.  This winter, HandsOn Twin Cities will offer a TeamWorks series of six sessions exploring the topic: “The Immigrant & Refugee Communities in Minnesota.”  Beginning January 6^th and meeting for the next five Thursday evenings, participants will learn about courageous conversations, various immigrant and refugee communities in the Twin Cities, and the citizenship process.  In addition to meaningful discussion and opportunities to hear from community members, opportunities to serve and get to know the Somali, Latino, Hmong, and Liberian communities will be offered. 

This is a great platform for anyone who has wanted to learn more about their neighbors.  In the Twin Cities, we have the great fortune of being home to the largest Somali and Hmong communities outside of Africa and Southeast Asia (respectively).  We also have thriving Latino and Liberian communities.  Together these groups are making our state culturally and socially rich.  Take this opportunity to serve in your community, become an ally and leader, and get to know your neighbors!

For more information contact Angela Carlson: 612.379.4900 x28 or angela@handsontwincities.org