A Student's Guide to Community Service
CATCH THE SPIRIT!
The Prudential
In cooperation with The U.S. Department of Education
Ideas and information on how young people can help make their
communities better places to live.
In this fast-paced world of in-line skating and on-line computers, it's
surprising there's time for you to attend classes, do homework, hold
down a part-time job, take part in extracurricular activities and set
aside time for fun and relaxation with family and friends.
Yet despite busy schedules, many young people like you are concerned
about what's going on in their neighborhoods and communities, and are
looking for ways to get involved. Here are some facts:
- In a recent survey of nearly 1,000 young people commissioned by
Prudential, 95 percent of those interviewed support volunteering.
- Almost two-thirds of those respondents said that individual
responsibility is the best way to solve community problems.
- Sixty-seven percent indicated that they devote some of their time to
volunteer activities.
Why are so many students interested in serving their communities?
Because they want to:
- make a difference
- develop new skills
- explore career paths
- have fun working with friends
- feel good about themselves
Although the efforts of one person may seem small, young people
throughout America continue to discover that millions of individual
volunteers can create a revolution of sorts. And as public, private and
corporate funding declines, volunteering may help save vital community
programs and services.
Whatever your reason for volunteering, once involved, it's easy to get
hooked -- to "catch the spirit" of community involvement. Volunteering
can expand your horizons and become a satisfying, lifelong commitment.
What's right for me?
You may make an instant decision to volunteer in your community. But
don't be hasty in selecting a project or organization. First and
foremost, take time to learn about groups, ideas and causes that
interest you.
Think about:
- What community or neighborhood problems concern you?
- Does volunteering for one of these groups fit your own interests?
There are many reasons to volunteer. But one should be universal --
volunteer for something you can enjoy. As you search for the "right"
volunteer activity, ask yourself:
- How much time do I have to commit?
- What talents or skills do I offer?
- What do I want to get out of my involvement?
- Will I enjoy this type of service?
Don't limit your thinking. You may prefer the more structured approach
of a larger group or the "family" feeling of a smaller organization.
Perhaps you want to create your own volunteer activity by engaging your
friends or family, or maybe just work alone on a project. When you've
selected or narrowed your volunteer interests, you may want to talk to
your parents, friends, a teacher or club sponsor, a counselor or someone
at your church or synagogue. They might have suggestions on how to go
about making it happen. Call organizations and local government offices
that offer services to the public. Read your local newspaper. Watch
and listen to the television and radio news for ideas.
After you've made a choice, commit yourself to it. Give your energy --
and adequate time -- to determine if it's a good fit.
What can a volunteer do?
This information can help serve as a compass to point you to some of the
many possibilities for volunteering. Combine these suggestions with
your own ideas and creativity -- and go for it.
A PRESCRIPTION FOR SATISFACTION
So the medical or health care field intrigues you. Take heart,
opportunities abound. Consider volunteering at a local blood bank, a
medical clinic for the poor, a nursing home, an emergency medical squad,
a children's or veterans' hospital, a cancer or AIDS hospice.
Volunteering may mean working in the office, delivering flowers,
magazines and snacks, developing and presenting entertaining programs,
reading to patients, helping kids in the hospital keep up with their
homework, assisting with recreational activities or scores of other
activities.
IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
If animals are your passion, here's a flock of ideas. Check with your
local zoo, animal shelter or humane society. Volunteer chores can
include cleaning cages, feeding and exercising the "residents," clerical
work, fund-raising, or special events. Perhaps your interests are more
in tune with endangered species. Consider volunteering at a wildlife
refuge or nature habitat where you can steer your commitment to
awareness campaigns or fund-raising activities.
YOU'RE READING OUR MIND
If you enjoy reading, you've got a skill that's easy to share. Community
shelters (for the homeless or abused) often house children who are as
hungry for fun and stories as a square meal. Libraries, children's
hospitals or wards may jump at the offer of organized story hours. On a
more personal level, you can read to an elderly neighbor or someone who
is blind. Or check into a local organization that needs readers for a
"talking books" program. Volunteers are often needed for literacy
programs serving all ages, tutoring younger students or helping
immigrants learn English.
CURTAIN UP, LIGHT THE LIGHTS
Young volunteers with an interest in the arts can share those talents,
as individuals or in a group. Check with senior centers, shelters or
daycare programs, local parks, or recreation programs. Offer to serve
as an usher at a community theater or help find stage props and
costumes. Or offer assistance at an arts center or a local art gallery.
Develop skits, musical revues, magic shows, prepare readings or other
entertainment you can present at senior citizen homes, hospitals or
other places. Not only does your contribution help keep cash-strapped
arts alive in your community, but it also helps build a life-long
appreciation for the arts and bring enjoyment to many.
SOME SPORTING GOOD IDEAS!
Share your athletic talent and interest as a coach or coaching assistant
in sports or recreational activities. "Help wanted" signs are often
posted at volunteer organizations serving people with mental or physical
challenges; YMCA, YWCA or Red Cross chapters; local civic organizations
(like the Elks, Kiwanis, Rotary or Lions clubs); city parks; and
recreation or neighborhood programs for low-income kids. They often
seek volunteers to help out with Little League, swimming, softball,
basketball, soccer, tennis, gymnastics or other recreational groups.
APPLY YOUR ABILITIES TO DISABILITIES
Be a special friend to people with mental or physical disabilities. Not
only will your skills contribute to the programs, but you may help
change public perception about people who have special challenges.
Volunteer for local, regional or state Special Olympics competitions
held in many communities. Local groups and residential facilities often
need volunteer help with field trips to museums and amusement parks,
recreation and sports activities, or arts and crafts programs. Contact
community centers or other facilities for the disabled, or the the
mayor's office for options.
RECYCLING CYCLE
Concern about our environment is serious stuff. And your commitment can
start right at home. If you're not doing it now, start recycling your
own newspapers, glass and aluminum at home. And then get your neighbors
involved. If your school doesn't have a recycling program, talk with
your teachers or principal about getting one started. Companies
supplying your school cafeteria might lend a hand in this effort. Or
consider adopting your block, a local park or common area. Recruit some
friends and pick up litter on a regular basis. Recycle what you can.
Any money from recycling can be pumped back into your effort or given to
a favorite charity. Having a cleaner neighborhood or town is an
important part of protecting our planet.
HEART AND SOLE
Perhaps you don't want to take on the responsibility of organizing and
planning. There are other ways to help your favorite causes. There are
many activities in which you can let your feet do the talking -- at
dance marathons and other indoor activities or at outdoor events such as
bicycle races, walkathons and charity runs.
BE A CRIME FIGHTER
If you have an interest in police work as a career or are concerned
about crime in your community, here are some ideas. You've probably
heard of neighborhood watch programs in residential areas. How about
developing a school watch program? Talk with your principal or school
counselor about establishing a student patrol that keeps an eye out for
and reports theft, graffiti and other crimes in your school. Contact
your local police department to see if you can help develop or get
involved in a student watch program, or participate in a program to
eliminate graffiti in your community or on public transportation.
MANY IN NEED, INDEED
Perhaps you've been concerned about homeless or needy people. Their
needs are many -- from shelter to food and clothing. Community projects
and church-affiliated organizations such as Habitat for Humanity need
volunteers to construct housing for the poor. Contact community or
church-sponsored soup kitchens and volunteer to help prepare or
distribute food. Suggest that a school play or concert charge admission
of canned foods that can be donated to a food pantry or soup kitchen.
Initiate a campaign to recycle food and drink containers and donate the
money to a local food bank.
LEND AN EAR AND A SHOULDER
Perhaps you're concerned about drug or alcohol abuse. Talk to your
counselor, minister or community groups that work in these areas. Ask
how you can help. Take prevention programs to grade- school children
who are most vulnerable to these pressures or participate in other
educational efforts.
IT'S A DIRTY JOB!
Here are some earthy ideas to sink your hands into. Your local parks
department may welcome an offer to plant trees and flowers in public
parks, along walkways or in downtown areas. Talk to your principal
about beautifying your school grounds. Local environmental groups,
landscaping companies, or the National Arbor Day Foundation (located in
Nebraska City, Nebraska) often give away tree seedlings. Planting
flowers for an elderly neighbor can bring a lot of happiness to them --
and you! A local low-income housing project may need some help in a
community garden. Or plant and tend your own garden, selling the fruits
-- more likely vegetables -- of your labor to earn money for your
favorite charity or a food bank.
KIDS ARE YOUR THING!
If you like helping other kids, or are considering a teaching career,
volunteering can work for you. 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 only a few ideas. If you like working with your
hands, help clear and build a neighborhood playground for other kids.
Some local city or county courtrooms are interested in activities for
children who must come to court with a parent; ask about setting up a
room with books and toys, and volunteer to help care for these children.
YOUR OWN SPECIAL BRAND OF HELP
If you want to do something in your own special way, put on your
creative thinking cap. On your own, or with a few friends, you can
raise money for your favorite cause through bake sales, car washes,
garage sales. Or organize a drive to collect books, magazines, toys and
clothes to donate to shelters or needy families. Many young people do a
lot of things on their own to help other people. The key is to want to
get involved.
DOs & DON'Ts OF SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTEERING
- Do be flexible. It is rare to find the "perfect" fit right away. Keep
an open mind -- you might discover something new that interests you.
- Do be persistent. Volunteer coordinators are often busy, so don't
assume they're not interested in you if they don't call you right
away.
- Do attend orientation meetings. Keep in mind that informed volunteers
are the best volunteers. These meetings will help you do the best job
possible.
- Do take necessary training classes. Ask about them before you decide
to get involved and be prepared to learn what will be needed.
- Do be responsible. Show up on time and follow through with your
commitments. People will be depending on you.
- Don't expect to start at the top. You have to work hard and prove
your worth before you are given more responsibility.
- Don't think that volunteering has to be a group effort. You can start
your own volunteer program and do it on your own time.
- Do expect to get plenty of personal enjoyment and satisfaction from
your volunteer experiences.
LOCAL RESOURCES FOR VOLUNTEER IDEAS
- Principal, counselor, teacher
- Churches and synagogues
- Organizations such as United Way -- and their many affiliates
- Mayor's office
- Civic groups such as the Elks, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions
- Local arts centers, community theaters
- Food pantries, shelters for the homeless and battered women
- Zoos, animal shelters, conservation groups
- Hospitals, hospices, nursing homes
- Residential facilities for the disabled or abused children
- Newspapers, television and radio
- Schools and libraries
- Local community and volunteer centers
Hopefully, this booklet has given you some ideas for types of volunteer
service, and information on where to go to find the organizations in
need of young volunteers. There is little doubt that the needs exist,
whether in your school, your neighborhood or city, or through your
church or synagogue. Match your interests with the many volunteer
opportunities available.
If you are still stumped, on the next page is a list of some national
service organizations that offer information on youth volunteering.
Write or call them for additional ideas.
Ready, set, go -- Catch the Spirit of volunteerism!
Arthur F. Ryan
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Prudential
Richard W. Riley
U.S. Secretary of Education
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WITH INFORMATION FOR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS
America's Charities
12701 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 370, Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 458-9505
American National Red Cross
Division of Youth Involvement
8111 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 206-8344
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
1230 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 815-5700
Child Welfare League of America
440 First Street, N.W., Suite 310
Washington, DC 20001-2085 (202) 638-2952
Earth Force
1501 Wilson Blvd., 12th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 243-7400
Habitat for Humanity International
121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709
(912) 924-6935
National Crime Prevention Council
Municipal & Youth Initiative Unit, 1700 K Street, N.W.
Second Floor, Washington, DC 20006 (202) 466-6272
National 4-H Council
7100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(301) 961-2916
Points of Light Foundation
1737 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006
(202) 223-9186
Quest International
Lions/Quest Skills for Action, 1984 Coffman Road
Newark, Ohio 43058 (800) 446-2700
YMCA of the USA
101 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 977-0031
Youth Volunteer Corps of America
6310 Lamar Ave., Suite 125, Overland Park, KS 66202-4247
(913) 432-YVCA
The U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, invites you to
join with more than 200 member organizations of the Family
Involvement Partnership for Learning who support better learning
for children through programs like Read*Write*Now!, encouraging
teens and adults to spend 30 minutes a day reading and writing
with a younger child, and the One-on-One mentoring program which
supports families and children through mentoring and tutoring.
For information call 1-800-USA-LEARN.
The Prudential
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education
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