Service Learning and Student Organization Initiatives: Facilitating Leadership Among Graduate Students

The coordination of service learning experiences can play an important role in the leadership development of allied health professionals. Potential allied health professionals can benefit from participation in service learning and co-curricular activities that relate to their curriculum. Peer mentorship can be utilized to facilitate student engagement in co-curricular activities that can assist in the development of leadership skills, technical skills, and other skills required for their profession. The purpose of this article is to identify a leadership model that can be utilized through student organizations in allied health profession education. One model that can be used to facilitate leadership among graduate students is the Social Change Model of Leadership Development. The model encompasses seven domains which include consciousness of self, congruence, commitment, collaboration, common purpose, controversy, and citizenship. This model was used as a framework to facilitate student teamwork and participation within the community.