Warning: The following story contains detailed and graphic images of teenagers being good citizens. Reading further could influence you and your teenager to get involved.
Jenny S., a 16-year-old senior in Durango, Colorado became editor of her church newsletter when the previous editor resigned. She also spends some of her free time at the local animal shelter. "Everybody has to do their part to make everything go well," she says.
Rebecca S., 18, of Austin, Texas, does most of her volunteering on gay and lesbian issues, most recently going on a seven-week, coast-to-coast bus tour to confront colleges that won't allow gays and lesbians to enroll. "Doing volunteer work really empowers young people and gives them a sense that they can make changes in the world."
Caroline A. of Richmond, Virginia, 13, attends a school that requires each student to perform 30 volunteer hours each year. She manages a school soccer team and volunteers at her church, donating food and time to local Baptist centers. "It's just something that makes you feel good."
According to the 2004 study "Attitudes, Politics, and Public Service: A Survey of American College Students," 53% of college students have volunteered in their community, and many started before they were 12. Despite the generally bad PR surrounding the age group, teens really do care. They know they have a lot and they want to give back by volunteering.
SET A GOOD EXAMPLE - VOLUNTEER YOURSELF
Encouraging your teenager to volunteer is easiest if they watch you do it. An earlier study called "America's Teenage Volunteers" shows that 64% of teens who volunteer have seen a member of their family do the same.
That was the case with Lauren G., 13, of Dallas, whose parents encouraged her and her two siblings to ask for birthday gifts for the local children's hospital patients instead of for themselves. Her mom, Cathy, also used to take them to a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, where they would help them with their chores and share a meal.
Lauren is one of 25 students who decided to donate bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah money to the K-HELP Fund (Kids Helping Everyone Live Peacefully). The kids make up the board of directors and decide how to give the money. So far, they have collected over $50,000 to support projects on kids in need, hunger relief, and education.
Alonzo F. 07/20/08
There are so few ways that any of us can feel effective in the world these days – so it’s inspiring to hear that teens are building houses in Mexico. I would love to hear our government going to New Orleans to do what these teens are doing.
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