VIVA Summer Service-Learning

VIVA Youth and Child

Volunteer.Involvement.Values.Action (VIVA) is a unique service-learning program of the Volunteer Center that is offered to teens ages 13-18 during the summer. As participants of the VIVA program, teens will have the opportunity to channel their creativity and passion in meaningful community service, engage in the world around them, and address problems of local, national or global importance.

The VIVA program encourages youth to be more than just volunteers by incorporating service-learning activities that revolve around decision-making, leadership, and teamwork. As part of the VIVA program, teens undergo a comprehensive volunteer training to enrich their summer of service and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to take action and solve problems in their communities.  The VIVA training curriculum incorporates the five phases of service-learning:

  • Exploration
    Teens identify a community need of interest by performing social analysis and research.
  • Planning and Preparation
    Youth examine varied ways to meet the community need or contribute to improving the situation.
  • Action
    Participants, working with a nonprofit agency, implement their plan to meet a community need or contribute to the common good.
  • Reflection
    Students tie the service to the learning by reflecting on their experiences before, during and after their summer of service.
  • Demonstration and Celebration
    VIVA culminates with a Celebration event that recognizes each participant for their service and allows youth volunteers to bring awareness to their cause, share what they have learned, and give ideas as to how other community members can get involved.

Download the VIVA 2012 Brochure here.
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If you would like to apply for VIVA 2012, please complete the VIVA 2012 Application and submit it to the Volunteer Center. VIVA volunteers must be at least 13 years of age. The cost is $36 and the deadline to apply is May 11, 2012.

If you are a nonprofit organization looking to partner as a VIVA agency, please complete the VIVA 2012 Agency Form and Contract.

Submit all forms to the Youth Programs Coordinator of The Volunteer Center by email at youthprogs@volctr-sobay.org, or by mail, fax, or directly dropping them off at the Torrance office.