Contributed by Francis Bencik, SEF Grants Manager
Held from March 26 to 28 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the 2025 National Service-Learning Conference organized by the National Youth Leadership Council brought together over 400 attendees from 36 states and 7 countries, creating a vibrant and diverse space for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. With many learning and engaging opportunities—from plenaries and lightning talks to hands-on workshops—the conference highlighted how service and education come together to create lasting social impact.
Shinnyo-en Foundation, a proud sponsor of both the Day of Service and the National Youth Leadership Council’s Youth Advisory Committee, supported three workshops and two lightning talks led by inspiring youth-driven organizations such as Interfaith Youth Alliance, Youth Community Service, and The Volunteer Center | South Bay – Harbor – Long Beach.
During the Day of Service, 210 participants collectively gave 630 hours back to the local community. Volunteers supported organizations such as Arc’s Value Village, which empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Opening Minds through Art, an intergenerational program that fosters creative expression among people living with dementia.
Additionally, the Foundation sponsored the participation of five Shinnyo-en young adults. For many, the experience was transformative. One youth shared, “This trip has definitely left an unforgettable experience that reminds me how I can show compassion, serve others, and spread positivity to everyone around me.” Another reflected on the deeper meaning of Shinnyo-en’s Infinite Paths to Peace philosophy, realizing “there are infinite ways to help others, and ourselves, achieve that peace.”
Stories of resilience, like that of a Detroit teacher’s unwavering commitment to her students, and thoughtful sessions on service learning, left lasting impressions on attendees—fueling a new generation of compassionate leaders.
Please find photos from the NSLC conference taken by Shinnyo-en Foundation staff here and photos taken by NYLC here.
