From 1989 to 2005, volunteering among teens (ages 16 to 19) has more than doubled. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 28.4% of teens volunteered in 2005, compared to just 13.4% in 1989. Some of the increase is attributed to the inclusion of service-learning in schools across the country. Young volunteers participate in activities that focused on societal issues, recreation, religion, health, environment, education, arts and culture, and youth development.
Why do they give their time? According to the Independent Sector, there are three main reasons: compassion for others, doing something for a cause that was important to them, and believing if they helped others, others would help them.
Benefits to the community are obvious.
- Those who need the help realize others care about them.
- Beautification projects not only help neighborhoods look nice, but also help cut down on crime.
- Students considered at-risk often do better in school when they have a mentor to work with them.
- Dogs at an animal shelter receive much-needed love and affection.
While helping others is what volunteerism is all about, teens also find out while they are giving, they are also receiving. Some of their benefits include:
Educational Benefits
By doing things that interest them, teens often gain new skills and find new career opportunities that they hadn't thought of before. Students working with animal organizations may discover they would like to become a veterinarian. Those helping disabled individuals may find opportunities in health care or social services. In addition, the experiences gained in volunteer settings can provide teens with skills in leadership and decision-making, and also look attractive on college and scholarship applications.
Personal Benefits
Teens are exposed to people and circumstances they have not encountered in their life. Volunteers learn about respect and kindness through working with the homeless, serving the elderly at a retirement home, or helping disabled children create art. Teens develop better appreciation for the little things in life and also receive a personal satisfaction of knowing they have made a difference in someone's life.
Employment Benefits
Besides finding new career opportunities, volunteering also provides teens with other skills necessary in the job market. Teens have a chance to learn important communication and interpersonal skills. The same leadership skills that help with their education will also help in the business world. Finally, volunteering provides teens a chance to increase their knowledge in certain areas. Those activities could add experience to a resume.
Volunteer habits that begin at a young age typically continue into adulthood. The impact the activities have may take years to show up, but even so, the impact is there. Volunteering is a win-win situation to both the volunteer and the community.
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