Others First

 

What is Others First?
 
The Others First program has two components:  monthly student lunch meetings and community outreach.  
 
Our lunch meetings offer an opportunity for every OIS student to engage in community service projects right on campus!  A group of student leaders and parent volunteers design projects that can take place in the Library during the Friday lunch period once a month.  Students receive thirty minutes of community service credit for attending these meetings.
 
Others First also credits students with community service hours for "independent activities" of their own choosing.  The program encourages activities that directly serve others.  These activities should be charitable, altruistic and/or humanitarian, non-partisan, and secular in nature (although they may be associated with non-secular organizations).  Activities performed on campus and at other OUSD schools can qualify.  Examples of qualifying activities are provided on the linked page below.
 

 

Upcoming Lunch Events (2025-2026)

 

We have a variety of fun and meaningful events planned for our lunch meetings this school year.

 

October 2025: African Library Project

November 2025: Blue Star Moms Halloween Candy Collection

December 2025: Monument Toy Drive

January 2026: Toiletries Drive

February 2026: TBD (project led by OIS 6th Grade Girl Scouts)

March 2026:  Pantry Kids Snack Drive

April 2026:  Let us know if you have a great idea!

 

How does my student receive credit for independent activities?

 

We have a new submission process for requesting credit for independent activities.  

 

Step 1:  Fill out the independent activity form, also linked below.  Paper copies will also be available at the Others First display in the OIS Library.  Scan or take a picture of your completed form.

 

Step 2:  Submit a digital copy of the completed form via our online submission form.

 

Award Criteria

 

Keep an eye on this site for updated information about the service awards available to OIS students.

 

Parent Volunteering

 

Others First also provides volunteer opportunities for parents!  We are looking for parents who can help during our monthly Friday lunch events on campus.  You can sign up for one date or many.  Details of these one-day positions are on our sign-up form, also linked below.  

 

We are also looking for parents to serve as project coordinators.  Most of our monthly projects are run by a student leader.  As a project coordinator, you would guide and assist our student leads in their tasks. These tasks may include coordinating with our partner organizations and with the OIS leadership teacher.

 

If you are interested in being more involved with Others First, or if you have ideas for a new on-campus service project, please email us at OISOthersFirst@gmail.com.

 

Linked Pages:

Description of Independent Activities

 

Independent Activity Form

 

Online Hours Submission Form

 

Parent Volunteers Sign-Up Form 2025-2026

 

 

 

Co-Directors: 

Lissa Tryer
Lisa Bress

 

Hours Tracker:

Lisa Bress

 

OISPC Liason:

Corey Hill

 

 

Other questions? Email: oisothersfirst@gmail.com