Guidelines for Individual Service Projects (ISP):
A well-thought-out and organized approach to projects is a key to success and to maintaining the standards of the NHS. As stated in the constitution, all National Honor Society projects must:
Fulfill a need within the school or community
Have the support and approval of the administration and faculty
Be appropriate and educationally defensible, and not in conflict with the activities of other school organizations
Be well-planned, organized, and executed.
Needs of the school and community can be identified in a variety of ways. Conducting a needs survey with students, faculty and staff, parents, and community representatives is one place to start. Also consider asking your local chamber of commerce, the social services offices and the representatives of the faith-based communities about their needs. Once project ideas are developed, the Executive Committee will approve them.
Expectations
Individual members have the responsibility to choose an individual service project in line with their particular talents and interests. This approach emphasizes the need for cooperative effort in service to the community while providing an opportunity for individuals to discover and develop their unique contributions. Below are a few suggestions for making your individual service prominent in your chapter.
The constitution indicates that the project should reflect the “particular talents and interests” of the member. The individual member is given the responsibility of choosing and participating in the project, and he or she should be held accountable for reporting this in an official manner to the local chapter.
Generally, when choosing the projects, it is best to steer away from activities that directly benefit a member’s family.
Service projects done for financial or other compensation are often viewed as contrary to the common definition of “service,” although unique programs may be appropriate exceptions to this rule when the compensation, such as a small gift, is small relative to the amount or quality of service provided.
Individual service projects of members have a definite deadline for completion.
Individual service can be performed while participating in a project planned and implemented by another group or in the community. ISP does not necessarily imply that these projects must be completed alone, merely beyond the activity undertaken through the required chapter service project and with personal initiative. Up to 3 students may work on an ISP together--although the proposed project must reflect the effort of all participants. (In other words, the more students who work together, the greater the expectation for ISP.)
Chapter members must seek approval for the ISP prior to completing the project. Students are expected to complete and submit the ISP Approval Form by the posted deadline.
Students will frequently be asked to update members during our weekly meetings about the current progress of your chosen ISP. So be prepared to share your progress with the group on a monthly basis.
Students are expected to create a presentation showcasing your ISP. The goal here is to help provide you the opportunity to be recognized for your good work and inspire others to get involved. Please be sure to include lots of photos, images, and visuals. These are always very effective! Also, if you worked with an organization or association, you may bring flyers, brochures, samples or anything else that may correspond to the promotion of your project and the betterment of our community.
Project Ideas
The NHS website, maintains an active list of project ideas submitted regularly by members. Visit the NHS Service Ideas Website. Leadership for Student Activities magazine is another source of project ideas, particularly the Activities Exchange pages found at the back of every edition. An electronic copy of this magazine may be located on the NHS website.
Help in a soup kitchen
Read/write poetry or stories for elderly or sick
Sing at hospitals or retirement homes
Collect coats/clothes/shoes/socks/blankets for homeless
Sponsor a book drive for young children in need
Make get-well cards for the sick
Collect waste and donate items for a cause
Spend time with people in retirement home
Help children improve reading skills
Clean up efforts in local parks or beaches
Volunteer at a hospital
Volunteer at a local elementary or middle school
Volunteer at a library
Volunteer at a local retirement home
Place flags on Veterans’ graves on national holidays
Mentor a youth group for local community
Encourage others to serve with you
Volunteer at local event supporting community service
Give computer lessons to the elderly or children
Provide free childcare for families in need
Adopt a family in need for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving food drive for the needy
Collect and send supplies to troops overseas
Adopt a child for school supplies
Create staff/teacher appreciation day at school
Decorate teacher doors in appreciation
Organize a park clean-up or paint over graffiti
Read/write inspirational stories to sick or elderly
Host appreciation event for local police or firefighters