Even academic reform depends on putting character first. Service-learning teaches the development of character. This should be the outcome of all our educational endeavors. Service-learning develops respect and responsibility. Respect is defined as showing regard for the worth of someone or something.
Responsibility is an extension of respect.
If we respect someone or something we feel responsible for its care and welfare. It is literally our ability to respond. As students participate in service-learning they begin to develop respect and responsibility as they respond to the needs of others, their community, and their environment. And most importantly, they begin to respect themselves as they become more responsible. It's the completion of a cycle - you begin to respect yourself by becoming responsible to others through service learning.