It is important to cultivate champions for service and service-learning, especially among government officials and other policy-makers. There are many ways public officials can support service-learning:

• Create or join your jurisdiction's community service caucus.
• Lead by example - volunteer with young people in the community by participating a service project.
• Address volunteers at a kick-off rally or closing celebration of a service project.
• Proclaim April 24-26, 2009 to be Global Youth Service Day in your state or city.
• Distribute a press release highlighting volunteer and service-learning opportunities.
• Write an op-ed or letter to the editor encouraging youth participation in year-round service.
• Produce a public service announcement asking young people to volunteer.
  
• Invite your fellow public officials that you have relationships with to get involved and support youth service and service-learning.
• Hold a recognition ceremony at City Hall or the State Capitol for participants after your service project.
  
• Create a Youth Advisory Council. Young people have earned a place at the decisionmaking table. With a tremendous amount of energy, commitment, and creativity, it is only fitting that youth in America play a lead role in addressing the needs of their peers and community. Youth Advisory Councils can build on the positive impact of service throughout the entire year.
• Ask youth to assess your community’s needs that can be addressed through youth service, and present a service plan to your city council, session of state legislature, etc.