Why Volunteer?

If you're a young person, you may want to volunteer or help a cause you believe in, but feel you're too young to be considered. Maybe you think you don't have enough time or experience.  Volunteering offers you a chance to work to your level of competency, not your age. Many agencies are adaptive to different time constraints. Some even use "virtual" volunteers -- people who help by using their home computers!

Good Reasons to Volunteer:

• Show that you're responsible
• Make a difference with a cause you care about
• Learn about new causes
• Gain experience
• Meet new friends
• See new places
• Teach others 
• Have fun
• Explore career options
• Fulfill your school's community service hour requirements

Ways to Get Involved:

1) Determine how you want to volunteer. There are three basic ways:

• Volunteer as part of a youth group through your school, church, Scouts, Camp Fire, or other group. This gives you the opportunity to be part of a group project and to make new friends while doing something worthwhile for your community
• Volunteer with your family
• Volunteer on your own or with a friend

2) Decide what kind of organizations you’d like to help.

3) Find an opportunity just right for you!

Volunteer Ideas for High School Students:

• Organize a musical instrument drive and donate the instruments to a school who needs them.
• Take on a "community need" project such as cleaning up a park, helping a senior with yard work, or reading to younger children at your neighborhood library. Identify a need and come up with a creative solution.
• Start a club at school and create "new kid survival kits" which include handy information like your school's calendar, handbook, and list of extracurricular activities as well as a map of your town, coupons for treats at local businesses and anything else you think a new student might need.  Someone from your club can help newcomers feel welcome through their first days at your school.
• Collect pet care supplies for a local humane society or animal rescue group.
• Grow extra vegetables during the summer and donate them to a food pantry.
• Make gift baskets for seniors and bring them to a nursing home to share with those whose families are not nearby.  Items such as stationary (with stamps), large-print puzzle books, personal care items and sugar-free candy (be sure to ask about special diets) are always appreciated!

Additional Information on Youth in Philanthropy and Volunteerism:

The Foundation Center has more information on how youth can get involved.  You can also send the Foundation Center your story about how you participated in philanthropy.