What is Knights of VALOR?

VALOR is an acronym that embodies the basic principles of Service Learning:

• • Volunteering: Serving the community is essential duty of all citizens.

  • Advocacy: Our message, values and causes will be expressed and received by many.

  • Loyalty: We show a commitment to our causes and maintain our relationships.

  • Organization: We create volunteering programs that are efficient, productive and sustainable.

  • Responsibility: We have a responsibility to mentor others who will continue our work.

There are four main categories of volunteer opportunities available to students.  

Direct Service: Engages students in person-to-person contact with those in need.These are the most visible and hands-on type of service activities. Examples include serving a meal in a shelter, tutoring children in an after school program or visiting elders in a long term care facility. Direct service volunteer roles are all about getting involved in active, tangible ways.

Indirect Service: Service that supports direct service or benefits the larger community. Examples include planning drug, violence, or disease prevention programs, assisting with environmental projects, participating in urban renewal projects such as mural or house painting, fundraising with direct interaction with a nonprofit beneficiary or creating brochures, flyers, posters, or annual reports for a nonprofit organization.

Advocacy: Service that gets students to speak, write and use other talents to bring the public’s attention to a particular issue. Examples include conducting information campaigns, lobbying on behalf of a community, or organizing a letter writing campaign for a social issue.

Mentoring: Service that involves the training and coaching of other volunteers. Through mentoring, volunteers can develop a legacy and continue to provide lasting benefits for their service projects.