How do I qualify for the CommUNITY Service Challenge?

Participants are asked to devote a portion of their summer break to serving others by completing the following requirements:

1. Challenge participants must complete a service activity from at least four of the provided eight categories.
2. Challenge participants must submit their completed service log along with photos of the child serving to the Office of the First Lady by August 4, 2023, either by mail or email.

Kids can complete each category in the order and timeframe that works best for the child and family.

Upon registering for the challenge, families will receive additional information and a service log to return to the Office of the First Lady. Parents or guardians will need to help their child fill out the required contact information on the service log and return it to the Office of the First Lady by August 4, 2023.

Service logs and accompanying materials can be returned to the Office of the First Lady by:

Email: MOserves@governor.mo.gov

Mail: Office of the First Lady, 100 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Where do I find the guidelines and the service log?

The guidelines are available on our website at https://firstlady.mo.gov/kids/information.

The guidelines and service log will be made available for download after registering a child for the challenge at https://firstlady.mo.gov/kids/register.

What will students receive for participating in the challenge?

All students who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of recognition signed by First Lady Teresa Parson.

How many service hours do I have to complete?

There is no minimum requirement for service hours. Rather, kids are asked to complete a project from a minimum of four service categories. Service activities from the four chosen categories can be completed at leisure during the eight weeks of the challenge.

We still encourage participants to serve as much as possible! Feel free to complete more than four service activities, or spend multiple days working on one project.

How do I track my service hours?

Service hours should be recorded on the service log provided for download after registration.

Do I have to use one of the examples listed under my chosen category in the guidelines?

No, examples of service activities that fulfill each category are provided to be helpful, however kids can choose to fulfill a service category in any way they choose.

Where can I find opportunities to serve in my community?

Check out the First Lady’s website at https://firstlady.mo.gov to find ideas for meaningful ways to serve your community.

Kids can respond to the call to serve in safe, unique ways from home or around their neighborhood.

What if I cannot access internet, a computer or printer to register online for the challenge?

Please contact the Office of the First Lady at 573-751-0526 to register by phone and receive challenge materials by mail.

Can I still register for the challenge after June 1?

Yes, participants may register at any point during the challenge from June 1 – August 4.

Does doing my family chores count as service hours?

Family chores or acts of kindness toward family members will NOT count as service hours for this challenge. The challenge is designed to encourage kids and families to engage in serving their neighbors and community.

How do I share information with First Lady Teresa Parson about my child’s summer service?

At the end of the challenge, we ask that the completed service log, photos of the child serving and any accompanying information be submitted via email or mail to the Office of the First Lady.

During the challenge, parents and guardians can share photos of their child serving on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) with the hashtag #MOKidsServe or email them to our office at MOserves@governor.mo.gov

First Lady Teresa Parson will share these photos on social media and on her website. You can follow along with First Lady Teresa Parson on social media here:

Facebook: First Lady Teresa Parson

Twitter: @FirstLadyTeresa

Instagram: @flteresaparson

Flickr: Governor Mike Parson