FAQs.jpg)
Having trouble registering? Click here to download a PDF that will walk you through the registration process step by step and includes screen shots.
Q. What is SLANT?
A. SLANT: Service Learning Adventures in North Texas, is a service-learning program designed to inspire youth to take up the challenge of improving their neighborhoods and communities in unique and creative ways. The program was created by Big Thought in 2009 as the official education initiative of The North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. Because of the overwhelming success of SLANT 45, which involved 44,140 youth completing more than 445,000 hours of service in their communities, Big Thought committed to continuing the program in North Texas.
Q. Who is leading the program?
A. Former Dallas Cowboy Daryl Johnston is the chair of the SLANT Action Team, a volunteer advisory committee comprised of a cross section of community leaders. Johnston and the Action Team work closely with Big Thought staff on the development and operation of the program.
Q. Who is sponsoring the program?
A. SLANT is sponsored by Bank of America, with in-kind contributions by Olive Garden.
Q. What is service-learning?
A. Service-learning is a proven approach that gives kids a chance to apply learning to the real world, away from classrooms and formal instruction. It connects life experiences with curriculum objectives, bringing education alive in powerful ways. It’s an integrated process that moves beyond facts
and figures to include civic participation, critical thinking, collaboration, character education and creativity. While SLANT follows the “IMAGINE” model to service-learning, there are four primary steps: identifying a need or problem in the community, researching why it is a need or problem, participating in a project to address the need and reflecting upon one's service-learning experience to understand the difference made.
Q. Why is service-learning important?
A. Research shows that kids involved in meaningful service-learning projects perform better on tests, have higher self-esteem and are inspired to be more civically engaged. They’re also less likely to be involved in negative behaviors and more likely to graduate from high school and college.
Q. What kind of projects and groups can be involved in SLANT?
A. Neighborhood groups, religious organizations, classrooms and school groups, PTAs, community-based organizations, Scouts and athletic teams are encouraged to get involved. Projects are only limited by your child’s imagination … and can vary from neighborhood improvement to beautification, to documenting local history or culture through a photography exhibit, to focusing on real-life ways to address pressing social challenges like hunger, poverty or environmental issues.
Q. How many kids can be on a project team/group?
A. The size of the team or group is left to the decision of the adult leader. There is no maximum number of children who can be involved on any one project.
Q. Can we form multiple groups and projects from the same organization?
A. Yes. Each group should be assigned an adult group leader who will be responsible for
registering your group through myslant.org. Each group may independently select and complete their own service-learning adventure.
Q. What materials will you provide me to complete a SLANT project?
A. Each leader and participant will be provided with an adventure guide, which adult leaders can order at no cost online. The Navigator Guide is designed as a tool for adults in how to facilitate a service-learning experience for a team of kids. The Big Adventure is a workbook for young explorers (youth participants) to use as they develop, implement and reflect upon their experiences. The Big Adventure is written for grades K-5/6. Additional resources are available online, including project ideas and a tool kit for promoting your project in your community.
Q. How will I get my materials?
A. When you register your group, you will be able to select the appropriate number of supplies you need. They will be shipped directly to you at no cost. After you've created your group, be sure to view and edit its details. There are three tabs you will fill out so that we can send you your supplies. These are the Project tab, the Affiliations tab and the Members tab. See the Get Started Online page for a checklist you can follow.
Q. What is the timeline for the projects?
A. Groups may
register and complete their projects any time between September 17, 2011 and May 30, 2012.
Q. How do I get started registering my group?
Q. I’m not an elementary-age student. Can I get involved?
A. Yes! Although the SLANT program materials currently available focus on elementary-age students, we encourage North Texans of all ages to explore meaningful, cooperative ways to help our region. Our goal is to have the spirit of community service embraced by people of every age and background. For example, older students may want to serve as mentors to a younger group or lend a hand on-site at their SLANT project.
Q. Who can I contact if I have questions?
A. Email your questions to info@myslant.org or call the SLANT hotline at 469-621-8989.
Q. When is the SLANT office open?
A. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.