Welcome to the Reflection Tookit. This resource can help you identify the best ways to incorporate reflection as a form of learning in service and civic engagement.

5 student sitting on colorful steps smiling

Facilitating Reflection

As you plan reflective experiences for yourself and others using the toolkit below, keep in mind these "P.A.C.E." guiding practices as a starting point. 

Pause

Sometimes we are so focused on our acts of service that we forget to take a moment to pause. Pausing allows us to really connect with the experience we are having. Whether it is by yourself or with others, it is important to find time to stop and process.

Assess

An important component of reflecting is assessing what you’ve done, who was involved, and the end result. All thoughts, emotions and feelings are important to the process, so don’t leave anything out. 

Connect

How does the work you have completed connect back to your original vision, goals, and your values? Revisit what brought you to this work and see if it is in alignment with where you are.

Express

A critical component of reflection is being able to express what you’ve done and how you feel about it. This could be something you do for yourself or something you share with others. How would you choose to crystalize and share your experience? Whether you choose to reflect alone or with others, the important thing is that you set aside time for the process. Be intentional, be thoughtful, be honest and be specific.

Reflection Tools

Filters

Publications/Guides
Journaling

Journaling offers people the opportunity to use writing to record thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

Reflection
Publications/Guides
Musical Chairs

Get people moving and reflect at the same time. This activity is particularly effective when bringing people together after they have experienced different parts of the same program, project, or event. 

Reflection
Publications/Guides
Being Well, Serving Well

This activity is designed to teach students how to create personal and communal wellness plans, identify campus and local resources, and find rest in community.

Reflection
Publications/Guides
Questions for Civic Love

Civic Love is one’s love for society, expressed through a commitment to the common good. The 36 Questions for Civic Love offer opportunity for conversation on how we can grow civic love together.

Reflection
Publications/Guides
What Motivates You to Serve?

What brings us to service and civic engagement can vary. Understanding our individual and group motivations can help strengthen relationships and focus response. 

Reflection
Publications/Guides
A River Story

This activity is designed to help build context and cohesion in a group, as well as help people practice their communication and listening skills.

Reflection
Publications/Guides
Values Compass

Our values are a core part of who we are, how we see the world, and how we relate to others. By exploring and identifying our values, we can better utilize them as a resource in guiding our path. 

Reflection
Publications/Guides
My Own Reflection Tool

Developing your own reflection exercise is a great way to stretch yourself creatively while simultaneously exploring the questions and themes that came from your experience.

Reflection