American Idol shows power of volunteerism and service.
American Idol aired its annual “Idol Gives Back” show Wednesday night, using the show’s massive popularity to draw attention to a variety of causes and the difference donations of service and money can make.
Many of these causes existed in other countries (kids who were dying of malaria for want of a mosquito net, or kids who didn’t have access to clean drinking water, for example). But segments also exposed middle class America to sights in their own country that they might not otherwise see. Even within our own borders, there are kids living in what most of us would consider horrible conditions.
You can’t help but be moved by viewing something like that.
“Giving Back” is not reserved only for adults, however. Kids of all ages can get involved in service. In fact, service and volunteerism are powerful learning tools that benefit kids in many ways. They learn compassion and empathy, and their own self-esteem is boosted with the realization that they can make a difference to someone else. Their perspective can undergo major shifts as they realize how lucky they are in comparison to others. They may develop a renewed sense of appreciate for what they have. And they learn valuable skills, such as working on a team and problem-solving.
Encourage your kids to get involved. By “Giving Back”, they may get back more than they ever expected.
Check out The Youth Services Opportunity Project or Servenet.org for more information.
