BLOG #4
Project VOLUNTEER
Feb. 2017
HELPING TEENS EMBRACE VOLUNTEERISM
by Susan Manuel
Encouraging teens to volunteer is one of the best pieces of advice an adult can offer. Research shows several benefits for teens who engage in community service. According to a study from the University of Iowa College of Public Health, teenagers who participate in volunteer activities on their own may be less likely to commit crimes as adults.
Studies show teenagers who volunteer had 31% fewer arrests and fewer convictions than those who do not volunteer. Researchers suggest when teens engage in self-empowering activities like volunteering, they are more likely to develop a sense of moral and social responsibility that would deter criminal activity.
We know volunteering is good for physical, mental and emotional health, but now we know helping teens get involved in giving, leads to other positive results in their adulthood.
Teenagers make the perfect volunteers. They are energetic, passionate, and eager for change. We all need to do our part to provide volunteer opportunities for youth, and help them connect to causes which align with their interests.
Share these 5 benefits of teen volunteerism with youth to help encourage their involvement:
1. You get to help those who need it. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to be involved in any cause important to you. It may seem like an obvious benefit, but it is the most important.
2. Volunteering is a great boost for your mental and physical health. Not only does volunteering boost self-confidence and happiness, but it has been shown people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who don't.
3. Volunteering can teach you the social and networking skills you will need as an adult. Volunteering can teach teens to network and help build important contacts. The people you volunteer with are also great sources when it comes to letters of recommendation, as they are the ones who see how you interact with others and how you handle challenges.
4. Volunteering lets you see how others experience the world and opens your eyes to something new. Volunteering exposes you to new experiences you may not come to know otherwise. Having new experiences can help you discover a new passion, and gives you the contacts to pursue the passion.
5. Volunteering makes your resume shine. Volunteer experience can set you apart on job applications and school admission applications. Your volunteer experience show you are ambitious, you care about your community, and you are willing to create change. These are great qualities recruiters and admission officers seek in a potential student or employee.
We are all in this together. How can you help? You can help by expanding your volunteer opportunities to include teens. Also, be sure and utilize our ProjectVOLUNTEER website to post your opportunities. Then, encourage teens to visit our ProjectVOLUNTEER website to explore opportunities. Not only will your organization benefit, but you will be boosting the positive outcomes volunteerism offers to teens. Visit: http://www.unitedwaytc.org/volunteer.html
