How Do I?

What steps do I need to take to complete my hours?

• Contact the organization or volunteer organizer you’d like to work with. Ask your Advisor for help if you’re unsure of the best way to reach out to an organization or what to say.

• Confirm dates, times and other requirements (ex. transportation) with your parent/guardian.

• Complete STEP ONE: APPROVAL.  A MDIHS staff member must sign off BEFORE you volunteer. This ensures your hours will count!

• STEP TWO: PERFORM COMMUNITY SERVICE. If for ANY reason you are unable to show up or fully participate, you must contact the organization to let them know and make new arrangements. 

• STEP THREE: VERIFICATION. The supervising leader should verify the activity, date and number of hours by signing your form (including contact info), calling or directly emailing wendy.littlefield@mdirss.org. 

• STEP FOUR: SUBMIT completed forms to the Main Office asap. Seniors, submit all forms by the final day of the 3rd Marking Quarter. All others, submit your forms by the end of the current school year.

How do I find out about Community Service opportunities?

• Bulletin Board by the Main Office

• Weekly Chalk Talk

• Community Service TV (Located on the first floor over the copy machine by the stairs)

• Look for public announcements through flyers, newspapers and social media

• Check out the MDIHS Community Service webpage.

• Reach out to your guidance counselor for help.

• ASK. Contact organizations that interest you, and ask if they need help!

Is there anything offered through school?

Some Community Service may be completed through school. Staff may sponsor activities that benefit the community during non-instructional time, and through the Service Learning elective course.

Allowed

(Discuss with MDIHS staff to further clarify)

• Volunteering for a non-profit organization

• Assisting a for-profit organization with a charitable activity that benefits the community 

• Work sponsored by MDIHS staff beyond instructional/academic time, regular meetings and performances (Flextime, lunch, public events, etc.)

• Volunteering for school-related events (Athletic Boosters, designated team community service, School Board presentations, etc.)

• Service Learning Elective Course

Not Allowed 

(Other situations may apply)

• Work completed for compensation (pay, merchandise, memberships, etc.)

• Helping a for-profit business (stocking shelves, cleaning, etc.)

• Donation of items (canned goods for food pantries, toys for toy drives, etc.)

• Work completed as part of religious services (alter server, childcare during services, etc.)

• Work directly for a family member (babysitting, lawn care, etc.)

• Work verified by a direct family member

• Hours counting toward another program (Scout badge, Honor Society, etc.)

• Community Service required by court-order or discipline for violating athletic/extracurricular norms.

• Travel time

You can see our 2023-24 kick-off slideshow, with conversation prompts, below.