Giving Back – Teens & Volunteering

January 18, 2012

Why volunteer? Maybe you’re already busy with after school activities or a part time job, or maybe you’ve got time to kill and want to try something new. You’ve probably heard teachers and other adults say volunteering looks good when you apply for college, or just that it’s something that everyone should do. Whatever the reason, it’s a great idea to take some time to volunteer in your community. Here’s why:

  • To Help Others – We’ve all had times in our lives when we needed a little extra help. What would you have done if there wasn’t anyone there to help you when you needed it? It feels good to know you are improving someone’s life, even just a little.
  • To Learn New Skills – Maybe you’ve always wanted to know more about cooking, or you’d like to try building something. Volunteering can give you a chance to learn all kinds of new skills that can help you as you get older and start looking for a job.
  • To Gain A New Perspective On Life – There are many different types of people and places out there in the world. Most teens and young adults haven’t had too much chance to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, so volunteering is a great way to learn new things and see the world from someone else’s view.
  • To Meet New People And Have Fun – Yes, volunteering can be fun! Look for a project that matches your interests. Talk with the other volunteers and even mundane tasks can become fun. Volunteering is a chance to make new, lifelong friends.

No matter what your reasons, you can get a lot out of volunteering. You can learn about yourself, learn about others, and meet interesting people. You can help others as you help yourself.