Check out our video about our NMCFS process and experience!

Step One: Identify a trusted adult in your school community—ideally a school administrator—and explain the project in clear terms. Begin by describing the project’s goals and asking whether their participation or support is possible. If the adult agrees, discuss specific ways they could assist, such as helping locate alumni or facilitating contacts, and be sure to establish a clear timeline. Having a reliable adult on board can be beneficial as they can also provide ongoing advice and guidance as the project progresses.

Step Two: Form a team to boost the project’s success. Working with peers who share your interest in this project creates momentum and makes challenging tasks more achievable. To spread the word, consider several outreach methods: send a group email to your school community, post flyers in areas where many pass by, and speak with people face-to-face. We also recommend recruiting members from different grade levels to bring new perspective and insight to this project.

Step Three: Brainstorm a core list of general interview questions. These questions will serve as a foundation during the interview process, but it’s important to tailor them to the person you're interviewing. In addition to these, develop a few unique, customized questions for each individual to get a deeper understanding of their personal service journey.

Step Four: Begin by interviewing student club leaders. Start by researching which student-led clubs are active at your school and identify those whose work genuinely interests you. If you don’t personally know a club leader, don’t hesitate to reach out via email—kindly introduce yourself and explain the project. Starting with student club leaders can help build your confidence in the interview process as interviewing those in your own age group tends to create a relaxed, low‑pressure environment .

Step Five: Begin interviewing members of your community whose service has inspired you—this might include alumni, faculty, or staff. Your project’s adult advisor or school administrator might be helpful in facilitating connections to alumni and other community members. During the interview, record the conversation or take detailed notes—recording ensures accuracy, but if you chose to do so make sure the interviewee gives permission beforehand. Always ask if it’s okay to record before starting.

Step Six: Once your interviews are complete, pull out the most meaningful insights—your favorite quotes or themes—and turn them into visual displays using Canva. You can reference the “Our Interviewees” page to use the posters as a design guide. At this stage, consider checking in with the adult or administrator leading the project to explore possible funding—it could cover optional expenses like display frames. Funding isn’t required, though. Whether you hang them in display cases or simply post them, make sure to place them somewhere visible to many and sheltered from bad weather!