Youth Volunteering

Volunteering offers many opportunities for youth and teenagers to become involved in their community and learn more about the world in which they live.

Some interesting facts from the Youth Service America website:

• Youth volunteering is up 12% over the last 10 years.
• Teenagers volunteer 2.4 billion hours annually.
• 73% of America ’s 60 million young people believe they can make a difference in their communities.
• Youth who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in destructive behavior.
• Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote, and be philanthropic.
• Teenage service is worth $34.3 billion to the US economy.
• 70% of young people ages 15-21 have participated in activities to help strengthen their community at some point in their lives.

The Impact of Youth Service

• The value of service carried out on National Youth Service Day is estimated to exceed $171 million.
• Youth who volunteer are three times more likely to volunteer as adults.
• Teens say the benefits received from volunteering are: Learning to be helpful and kind, learning to understand people who are different from them, developing leadership skills, becoming more patient, and better understanding of good citizenship.

(Independent Sector/Gallup, 1996)

Ten Great Reasons Why You Should Volunteer *

(Adapted from Volunteer Resource Center , Minneapolis , MN )

10. Gain work experience. The volunteer work you do can help you build skills for future paid employment. Volunteer work looks great on a resume.

9. Improve your health and self-esteem. Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress and boost your self-esteem.

8. Enhance your college applications. Colleges and universities today are looking for applicants who have more than high grades. They are looking for well-rounded people who have volunteered to make a difference in their communities.

7. Gain new skills and develop talents. Many of your interests can be developed through volunteering.

6. Meet new people and make friends and connections. The adults you volunteer with can connect you to great opportunities and provide you with reference letters for work and college.

5. Give back to your community. Whether you help with planting trees or tutoring a child, your volunteer work will help the community in many ways.

4. Spread positive energy and hope. When you volunteer to help others, your energy and efforts affect the whole community in a very positive way.

3. Fulfill your required community service hours. Volunteering will not only help others and your community, it can help you meet your school requirements.

2. Personal growth. By taking on new tasks and challenges you will learn more about yourself and other people.

1. It’s fun! Whether you volunteer by yourself or with your family and friends, servicing others and your community will bring laughter and smiles into your life.

Resources:

www.volunteercentersn.org
www.ysa.org
www.idealist.org
www.guidestar.org