Saturday, December 10, 2011

Volunteering is a common activity for teenagers, with over half of all American teenagers reporting participation in volunteer activities. Teens may volunteer to earn required community service hours for school, to bolster their college applications, or for the same reasons many adults volunteer: to make a difference in their community and for the satisfaction of helping others. Youth who volunteer also have greater academic achievements and reduce their risk of engaging in drug and alcohol abuse or other dangerous behaviors, according to research cited by the PCSCP.

Hospital Assistance

  • Teenagers can volunteer their time at a local hospital or health care center. Whether serving as what was once called a "candy striper" or working on a special project, volunteers get a valuable opportunity to explore health-care careers while helping the ill.

Community Cleanup

  • School or other organizations that "adopt" local highways, beaches or parks commit to clean up litter on a regular basis, depending on the program. Beach cleanup may involve collecting detailed information about water quality and pollutants as well as removing litter several times a year. Those who cannot commit to a whole year of volunteering but have a few hours or a day can participating in a single clean-up day with their town, school or church.

Elder Services

  • Teenagers can visit with nursing-home residents, setting up a scheduled time each week to read books, assist in creating scrapbooks, or play card games. They can also choose to visit once over a holiday to deliver and share a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cookies or Valentine greetings.

Tutoring

  • Whether giving back by assisting students in their own school or tutoring younger children in disadvantaged schools, tutoring is a way for teenagers to share what they have learned and to grow as students. Teen reading programs for elementary school students may require a weekly commitment for an extended time.

Community Gardening

  • Planning a community garden is a large undertaking, requiring a large committee as well as an understanding of the area and the ability to locate and obtain necessary land, permits and community buy-in, but tin the process, teens can acquire leadership skills. A less ambitious project would be to commit to tend a community garden plot once or twice a week, weeding, watering and harvesting vegetables. Teenagers can also volunteer to help distribute the harvest or sell it at a local farmer's market.

There are many places we can volunteer... At a local church, medical offices, after-school programs, high school/college campus activities, a pet shelter, etc. Whatever you're interested in, there's always a way you can volunteer your time. Look around and call a few places. In the end, you'll feel very accomplished and will receive recognition for your good deeds in the community...
-RayaSunshine =)
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