Diversity and Service-Learning: Finding Common Ground through Social Justice and Mindfulness

The benefits of service-learning are numerous and widely recognized. Research indicates that service-learning helps students to understand and develop a respect for various dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, age, religion, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (Greene & Diehm, 1995; Jones & Hill, 2001; Vogelgesang & Astin, 2000). In this paper, the author considers whether these benefits apply across all forms of service-learning. She reports the results of a service-learning project which aimed to change students' perceptions about persons who are homeless. Based on lessons learned from this project, the author proposes an approach to service-learning that emphasizes relationship building, social justice, and finding common ground with community partners, while honoring their differences. As described in this chapter, "mindful service-learning" has particular relevance for managing the cultural tensions that emerge during service-learning.