Canadian Alliance for Community Service-Learning
Students, educators and communities building partnerships to learn from each other while working together in innovative ways to strengthen individuals, communities, and society
Community Service-Learning (CSL) is an educational approach that integrates service in the community with intentional learning activities. Within effective CSL efforts, members of both educational institutions and community organizations work together toward outcomes that are mutually beneficial.
Click here to JOIN the Canadian Alliance for Community Service-Learning.
In the Spotlight
- Ontario CSL Network Meeting - Wednesday 24 June at York University - View Agenda
- University Degree Level Expectations: Is there a Role for CSL? - TeleLearning Seminar - Tuesday, 18 August. Program Information
- Starting a CSL centre - TeleLearning Seminar - Friday, 25 September. Program Information
- National CSL Symposium -Friday 9 October, Ottawa. Click here to view Program Information
- 9th Annual International Research Conference on Service-Learning and Community Engagement -Ottawa October 9-12, 2009. Conference Website
Learning Centre
Learning Opportunities 
research
Listen (Audio Podcasts)
- 2009 TeleLearning Seminars audio recordings
- VOICES OF CSL in CANADA: interviews with those involved in CSL programs
- PROMISING PRACTICES: listen to the 2007 and 2008 tele-learning seminars
Share & Discuss
Join our national email network and forum: post your questions, share your experiences, discover new ideas, and receive updates and information from CACSL.
- View the archive of our e-newsletter "Invitation"
- Learn about other networks and newsletters
Read
Enhancing the Capacity of Community-Based Organizations in East St. Louis in the Journal of Planning Education and Research, Summer 1998; 17: 323-333. Recommended article by John Cawley, Senior Program Officer with the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation. Click here to read the abstract.
“Building the Service-Learning Pyramid: Engaging Campuses, Creating Citizens”: A highly recommended resource from an experienced CSL practitioner which outlines concepts and key strategies to support service-learning in post-secondary institutions. Click here to check it out!
CSL IN CANADA: A SCAN OF THE FIELD - The first report of its kind published in Canada, this 2006 scan describes emerging and established CSL programs from coast to coast.
Available to download
ANNOTATED CSL BIBLIOGRAPHY - an overview of current literature and research. Download
CSL Programs Across Canada
Click below for CSL Contacts by region:
BRITISH COLUMBIA
PRAIRIES
ONTARIO
QUEBEC
ATLANTIC
McConnell Foundation
In January 2005, the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation launched it's National University-Based Community Service-Learning Program. They have provided funding to ten Canadian institutions to integrate CSL within their curriculum and to build strong partnerships with their local communities. The Foundation also funds the Canadian Alliance for Community Service-Learning.
National University-Based
Community Service-Learning Program