Have you ever thought of giving a gift to your community? We usually think of what
to buy for others and what they are buying for us. But there are other ways to give,
and other people who would be delighted to receive a gift from you. This year why
not consider a gift to your community!
You're probably thinking, you can't give time. You have homework, a job, after school
activities, household chores – you feel as overwhelmed as your parents! But giving
to others is one of the few activities that gives more to you than you put in.
Amazingly, there are lots of teen volunteers. You probably volunteer in some ways
that you don't even realize – like watching kids in the nursery at church, or helping
to carry tables and chairs for the temple book sale, or maybe, giving your mom's
quilting circle a hand loading their quilts in vans for arts and crafts festivals.
Volunteering is a way to:
- make a difference
- develop new skills
- explore career paths
- have fun working with friends
- feel good about yourself
Here are some ways that you can give to your community and give yourself a good
time too:
Hospital & Nursing Home Volunteers Are In Demand! If the medical or health care field intrigues you, there are lots of opportunities to give. Volunteer at a local blood bank, a medical clinic for the poor, a nursing home, an emergency medical squad (that's right – teens can be EMTs!), a children's or veterans' hospital, a cancer or AIDS hospice. There's lots to do – deliver flowers, magazines and snacks, develop and present entertaining programs, read to patients, help kids in the hospital keep up with their homework, assist with recreational activities, or scores of other activities.
Are You A Dr. Doolittle?
Do animals just love you? Why not volunteer at your local zoo or humane society or animal shelter. There are also wildlife refuges and natural habitat reserves that could use your help. There is lots of work to do like cleaning cages, feeding and exercising the "residents," clerical work, fund-raising, or special events. Who knows, you might find that career you never knew you wanted!
Calling All Readers!If you like to read, there are lots of folks that would like you to read to them. Community shelters (for the homeless or abused) usually have children who are as hungry for fun and stories as they are for food. Two other community groups that would probably jump at your volunteering offer would be libraries and children's hospitals or wards. Do you have an elderly neighbor who you could read to or a relative or friend who is blind. What about at school? Can you volunteer to help students in lower grades? If reading is your gift, share it with others.
Where Art Thou? Arts organizations, theatre groups, recreation centers, and other arts related organizations are always looking for volunteers. You can help backstage, make costumes, learn the lights, and so much more. If art is more you, you can help set up exhibits, answer phones, and more. Call. Arts organizations always have a list of things you can do. And think of all the interesting people you will meet!
Kids Need Volunteers Too! If you like helping other kids, or are considering a teaching career, try volunteering with kids. Local camps, especially those for low-income youngsters or kids who are ill, need counselors and tutors. Children's hospitals, low-income daycare centers and shelters, programs for "latchkey" kids, homework tutoring phone lines, or Big Brother or Sister programs are a few other organizations that could use your help.
Chart It! Print this page and use this chart to help you discover what you'd be interested in volunteering to do
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES WORKSHEET
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Activities To:
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Where?
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How?
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Contact?
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Make a difference
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Feel good about yourself
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Develop new skills
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Explore career paths
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Have fun working with friends
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Source: The Prudential, in cooperation with
the U.S. Department of Education.