The Doer of Good Becomes Good: A Primer on Volunteerism

Here is everything you ever wanted to know about community service. Ronald W. Poplau explores the major shortcomings of today's education and introduces community service as a viable means to correct them. The book is based on 11 years of a program that the State of Kansas enacted into law. The U.S. State Department later sent Poplau to Russia to share this program with Russian schools, and at any one time, one-fourth of the author's school, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, is enrolled in the program. There is a waiting list to get in the class, and this book can show you how to create the same phenomenon in your school. This book: examines how community service affects a student's person, explores why community service is needed now in all of our schools, documents with student testimonials how service not only changes them but also the community. Poplau contends that while technology is isolating all of us, and especially young students, it cannot be forgotten that human beings were meant to bond with one another. Students need to become involved with their fellow man, and with this in mind, the mission statement and title of the book is a simple one: The Doer of Good Becomes Good. For teachers and student activity directors.

About the Author :
Ronald W. Poplau is director of Community Service for Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and coordinator of Continuing Education for Ottawa University. He is a member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame and also the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame.

Review :
The National Teachers Hall of Fame proudly endorses this book and recognizes the many years Ron Poplau has devoted to engaging students in community service! The NTHF encourages all teacher to actively involve students in community service activities. Ron Poplau has done more than theorize about the benefits of community service, he has truly lived the experience. We can all benefit from his wisdom on this topic. The profound value of this program is that EVERYONE benefits! Ron Poplau has developed a concept that changes the lives of the students who participate as well as the people they serve. If every school would adopt this program the world would be a much kinder, safer place. A well-rounded education includes developing a sense of civic responsibility in the students for whom we are responsible. A community service program as described in the book is an effective approach to achieving this goal. The community service program developed by Ron Poplau, if emulated by juvenile justice systems, would greatly reduce juvenile offender recidivism. Many young people are making an important difference through community service. We should recognize their outstanding contributions and challenge others to give back by volunteering in their communities. This book explains how. Think about a program for typical high school students – one that has received positive recognition at the local, state, and national level. One that has had the governor of the state come to the school for the sole purpose of recognizing this unique program. U.S. Congressmen have visited the school just to meet with this class. Interesting reading awaits, as you discover the virtues of volunteerism in the guise of the Cougars Community Commitment program at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As author of House Bill 2304 making community service mandatory in Kansas high schools, I am honored to be the author of such a powerful tool to build self-esteem and patriotism in every community across the state. The Doer of Good Becomes Good will offer all who read it an inspiration not felt before. As the mayor of Shawnee, Kansas, I have seen many instances of what Poplau's program has done for the citizens of this community. This great program helps both the community and the students. What a wonderful way to teach our young adults. When the Cougars Community Commitment Class at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School was first launched, I didn't pay it much heed as a local newspaper editor. But soon I couldn't ignore the results. It was becoming cool for teenagers to volunteer in the community. Long-trashed creeks were getting cleaned up. Poor people were getting new eyeglasses and dentures. Food pantries were being stocked. Lonely senior citizens were getting companionship. Journalists have a reputation for dwelling on the negative when it comes to youth. But miracles get our attention, too. ...describes [Poplau's] experiences in establishing and overseeing the Kansas program and its positive effects on the students and the people they help.