Chapter 7: Utilizing Social Media for Democratic Service-Learning Practice: A Framework and Guide for Educators

At its best, service-learning is problem-based learning with young people focused on addressing real issues in their community. When coupled with an effective use of social media, we have a mechanism for instigating civic action, and housing record of it, thus expanding democratic space and youth action in our physical and virtual environments. By combining high-quality servicelearning with critical use of social media, young people can have participatory learning opportunities that allow them to shape their experience in both their local and virtual communities. The combination allows young people to relate to their communities as civic actors who understand that social media is shaped by its users, and that democracy and community are “always in the making,” dependent upon the acts of the populace (Benson, Harkavy, & Pucket, 2007; Greene, 1995). This chapter explores the Earth Force Process, as an exemplar of service-learning, and social media’s applicability to it. When brought into a service-learning context, social media can form a foundation for educators to tap into the culture of youth, provide an opportunity for youth to develop critical use of information and social media, and equip them with essential skills needed to address issues in their communities.{\abs}