Service Trip Response: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

How can service and movements for social change support and inform one  another? Are there ways that service and activism are fundamentally different or opposed? (Editor's note: Laura opted to reflect on a service experience she had previous to Woolman.)

Actions speak louder than words. This is not to say that words are not integral in being proactive. Instead this more applies to the simple fact that sitting around and talking about change will never ensure that change will ever come unless action is taken. This is the relationship between service and movements for social change: service being the action and social change being the words.

Social movements give service a cause and service gives social movements a personal understanding. For example, I was a part of the social movement called Safe Ground Sacramento, which advocated for homeless peoples’ rights to a safe place to sleep at night. The more I researched and participated in the movement, the more I felt a need to serve at Loaves and Fishes, a homeless shelter in downtown Sacramento.  I heard speeches while at protests given by inspiring advocates of human rights that stirred my soul and gave a fire to my passion for service. At nonviolent demonstrations I was surrounded by people who shared a strong connection with me through passion. A connection where all our differences melted away as we marched or stood together for long hours at a time. The more I dedicated my self to the movement I found myself more eager to act in service.

The cycle continued as the more I served the more I felt a deeper understanding and connection to Safe Ground Sacramento. I heard many people’s stories about how they lost their homes. I heard various definitions of the word “home” and how it had changed for those people over the course of their lives.  The relationships I made while doing service and the stories I heard allowed me to gain a better understanding of the peoples’ need for the social movement Safe Ground Sacramento. 

Though service and movements for social change have a close relationship, they are not the same thing. Service is more of a personal experience—at times even self-centered. When a person gives up a part of themselves for the benefit of someone else, they are acting through service. This makes the experience a very personal thing as it is the individual that is emphasized. In many cases, I learned more while serving than the person I was supposedly helping. 

On the other hand, a social movement is more effective when the individual ceases to exist and the stress is laid on a group. The movement will only be successful if the people act as a people, together for each other.  The goal is shared by all and therefore the responsibility is shared by all. I remember vividly how at one particular rally it was blazingly hot and the mood of the crowd was getting very tense with every bead of sweat that formed on our brows. Just when I thought I couldn’t stand it any more, a homeless man and his wife began to sing Amazing Grace acapella. Soon the rest of us joined in and the whole experience seemed to remind us all of why were there and the importance of being a part of such a wonderful and passionate group of people.

Service and movements for social change have a strong relationship, complementing and strengthening each other. As service builds on social movements, social movements build upon service. This is a simple relationship of support that is vital to change.