The LEAGUE

The LEAGUE is a national school and web-based system for service learning that builds character and empowers young people to “do good” in their community, the nation, and the world. 

1. What is the system?
   The LEAGUE is a group of K-12 schools from around the country, where classes and students earn points for thoughtfully “doing good” in various events and service during the year.  Students learn about giving, service, responsibility, character and leadership in the classroom and practice it in the community (learning and doing).
   
   
2. How does the web-based learning work?
   The LEAGUE makes available on line innovative teaching resources, plans and activities to teach character education, service learning and civic engagement – all tied to curricular educational objectives.
   
   
3. What distinguishes The LEAGUE from similar efforts to engage young people in service?
   There are so many terrific organizations already doing amazing work with young people.  The value add of The LEAGUE is in creating a system for students to track their impact and be recognized for their efforts in improving their community.  What is unique about The LEAGUE is its organization structure, the quality of its curriculum, the adaptability of its point system, metrics and evaluation tools.  The LEAGUE uses a team-based sports theme model to connect with young people, encouraging them to work together for the good of their community. 
   
   
4. What is the organization structure?
   Think of The LEAGUE as a team-based approach for “doing good.”  Imagine that every class in The LEAGUE is a team and every student is a player.  Teams are led by classroom-elected student captains, supported by the class teacher who is designated as a LEAGUE coach.   The LEAGUE is a team-based approach for empowering, educating, equipping, recognizing and celebrating “doing good” in the community.
   
   
5. What is the source for The LEAGUE curriculum?
   Learning To Give is the curriculum division of The LEAGUE.  Learning to Give is the world’s leading developer of character-building education plans and materials. The curriculum consists of over 1,300 lessons on giving, service, and civic engagement coded to every state’s core curriculum standards.  The curriculum reinforces the experience of students participating in LEAGUE events.
   
   
6. What are The LEAGUE events?
   The LEAGUE uses themed service events to connect with young people throughout the entire school year.  The events cover a wide-range of civic and community concerns such as volunteering and service (One Day), hunger and homelessness (The Drive), caring, respect & fairness (King Day), and environmental stewardship (Earth Day).
   
   
7. How does The LEAGUE point system work?
   The LEAGUE point system is a pioneering mechanism for assigning value to individual and team volunteer efforts.  The LEAGUE publishes point-based “standings” where a point equals one dollar value to the community.  These “standings” provide local media with content that both celebrates and recognizes the good young people are doing to help others. 
   
   
8. Is The LEAGUE currently organized in any schools?
   Any class can be a part of The LEAGUE by signing up on The LEAGUE website, participating in online training, developing projects in the community, and reporting the impact.  The LEAGUE also operates regional offices to support schools in various geographic locations.  These offices currently reside in New Jersey, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Texas, Georgia and Ohio.
   
   
9. How long has The LEAGUE existed?
   The LEAGUE was founded in 2005 by a group of business, education, government, media, non-profit leaders and youth who challenged themselves to create a model for developing the next generation of civic leaders.  The LEAGUE is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.
   
   
10. What is the vision for The LEAGUE?
    Change the world by empowering young people everywhere to get in the game of giving thoughtfully of their time, treasure and talent to make their community and world a better place.

The LEAGUE Links

The LEAGUE homepage: www.theleague.org

Learning to Give, the curriculum division of The LEAGUE:  www.learningtogive.org

The School Bridge LEAGUE
A case for bridge in school! In 2001, Carlinville, Illinois, teacher Bobbie Klaus decided to introduce some short bridge lessons as part of her 5th grade math instruction. There was no intent of doing a research study. However, standardized testing combined with the reporting requirements of NCLB created a plethora of data and a "researcher's serendipity." What the researcher found was amazing! www.schoolbridgeleague.org

The Giving Game. Do good. Pass it on.
The Giving Game was created in response to the events of September 11, 2001. It is focused on expanding multiplying kindness in an effort to create stronger, healthier communities. www.givinggame.org