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.
What is reflection and why does it matter?
Reflection is the process of deep thinking and consideration of an event or experience. Reflection can be done individually or with others, and creates space to make sense out of an experience.
At the Pace Center, we believe that reflection is an essential part of how to engage effectively and responsibly in community service. As you engage with complex social issues, we encourage you to reflect upon your values and think critically about how your own experiences and identities relate to the experiences of others you meet.

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
Journaling offers people the opportunity to use writing to record thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
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.
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.
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.
What brings us to service and civic engagement can vary. Understanding our individual and group motivations can help strengthen relationships and focus response.
This activity is designed to help build context and cohesion in a group, as well as help people practice their communication and listening skills.
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.
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.