Do I need written documentation from my service agency of my hours signed by the agency where I do my service?

No, the you are required to keep an accurate record of your completed service hours by logging into the online service hour log.

Does a service experience from before senior year count toward my 40+ hours?

No, technically, as the requirement reads, you can begin your social service hours at the beginning of your 4th Quarter junior year.  This is not to say that community service experience prior to this is somehow lesser, on the contrary, it's just as wonderful.

Why do I have to do service hours during senior year?

All NDP graduates should have exposure to serving others before graduating--it's part of who we are as a school community.  The reason we require 40+ hours during senior year is that we believe a service experience should be reflected upon and processes as close to the experience as possible.  We also teach that service to others should always be a part of your life, and trying to fit it into your busy senior year shows that you can and should fit it into your busy schedule from thereafter.

Do I have to complete my Social Service requirement at one of the NDP endorsed sites listed on this webpage?

No, you may find a different service agency or come up with your own way of completing the hours, but you just need to get your plan approved by the Service Director to be sure it fulfills the requirement.  Seniors serving at a different sight than those listed on this website need to give the Service Director contact information for the agency you are proposing to volunteer at.

Do I have to serve all 40+ hours at the same place?

This is highly encouraged, but if it is not possible, try to have at least the majority of your experience be at the same agency.  The reason for this is that it is our hope that through the requirement, students are able to form relationships with those they serve and the agency as well.

Can my parent join me in volunteering? 

In most cases, yes, and NDP encourages parents to get involved with their daughter’s service experiences to get a better picture of what their daughter will be doing and to provide the service agency with more, much needed help from volunteers.  Parents can sometimes feel apprehensive about where their daughters are doing their service and going with them often quells many fears.  Please speak to the contact person at the service site to see if this can be arranged on a temporary or ongoing basis.

Do weekend Habitat builds with our club in Baltimore City count for hours?

No they don't.  We feel that it is rare to have any significant interaction with the homeowners-to-be, though sometimes this can happen and therefore it really doesn't fit the requirement of "direct" service where you meet the people you serve face-to-face.  Week-long trips with Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi and Virginia do still count, however.  This is because you have more time to get to form a relationship with the family who will be living in the home.

Can I work with animals rights and/or environmental organizations to gain service hours?