Youth Volunteering

Masses of youth volunteers have flocked to Africa, South America, Asia, and India to lend a helping hand for a few weeks during their summer or half term breaks. These kinds of trips are a great way for youths to see how other people live in the world, and gives them a chance to form their own thoughts about poverty, healthcare, government responsibility, and culture. However, you don't have to get on a plane and fly half way across the world to find people in need. From the homeless man who sleeps in the tube station, to an abused child who lives down the road from you, to the nursing home where your nan lives, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer within your community.

When looking for a place to volunteer, it is important to search for something that best suits your talents and interests. For people who love children, look for volunteer opportunity like working in an after school program, or sending care packages to children in third world countries. Volunteering can be hands on or hands off depending on your personality. If you enjoy meeting and interacting with new people, take the hands on approach. Lend a hand serving breakfast at a homeless shelter, distributing water at a marathon, or working a booth at a market. If your style is more behind the scenes work, look in to volunteer opportunities such as helping sort through food at a food bank, collecting supplies to send to troops abroad, or organizing a winter clothing drive.

Volunteering is heavily marketed to teens because it looks great on a transcript, nicely fills out a college application, and provides diversity and extra padding for a resume. But why is this? Employers want to know that you are committed to something beyond yourself, that you can apply your talents to promote the greater good. Youth volunteering isn't just about spending a few hours making a Christmas card or selling lemonade, it is about doing your share to improve the quality of life in this world. What are you waiting for- start searching for a volunteer opportunity today.

By: Steve Volman

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Steve Volman - writer, thinker and general muser. Interests include youth work in the UK and voluntary work, football and the odd spot of golf. Any feedback on my articles in more than welcome. For more information on volunteering click here www.vinspired.com