Today we will discuss one of my favorite subjects…. Volunteering and Community Service.

The face of volunteering has changed and the opportunities for students to volunteer are vast. Don’t believe me? Just keep reading. Before we get to the opportunities available to you, let’s discuss why volunteering is so important.

The obvious reason is that it is good for all of us to do things for others. This, of course, is the most important reason we volunteer but there are many other benefits to consider as well. Just take a look:

Benefits of Volunteering

1. Volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Yep, your read that right. Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine.

2. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. If you can find an area to volunteer that has meaning to you, this will provide a sense of gratitude and purpose in your life.

3. Building friendships and connections. If you find an area to volunteer that you are passionate about, it allows you to meet others who share you interest and passion. For example, if you are fond of animals, you might volunteer at a rescue center and meet others who share your same passion.

4. Volunteering helps boost your resume for college applications and scholarships. This is an important part of your college application and something that should be started as soon as possible. Even when you are in college, continue volunteering because this is also a great resume booster for your interviews for your career choices.

Now, you might be thinking, yeah, this is all great, but where do I go to volunteer? I’m glad you asked. There are so many opportunities available to you that I could never mention them all but I do want to highlight a few that you may not have thought of.

Options for Volunteering

1. Occasional Volunteering. One of the best options is to look around the community where you live. See what things need to be done and then volunteer to do them. For example, we had an ice storm in my neighborhood last week. Hundreds of tree limbs were down all over my neighborhood. Last Saturday, a gentleman in the neighborhood asked everyone who could help with clean up to meet at my neighborhood tennis courts. The response was amazing! So many people came with trucks and saws and eager hands ready to help their neighbors. It didn’t stop there. Some of the moms in the neighborhood made lunch for the workers, the teens babysat the kids of the workers, others made snacks and everyone did their part. Everyone did what they were good at and could easily do and it made the job doable for everyone.

2. Regular Volunteering. Many people prefer to volunteer on a scheduled and regular basis. This is very important if you are working with people or animals as they look forward to seeing you again and count down the days until you come back to see them. I’ve worked in an assisted living community in the past and this is the highlight for these residents. Having people come sing or read or just listen to them is something that is needed. If you have a heart to help others, the need isn’t far away.

3. Virtual Volunteering. Yes, this is a very real option and many teens prefer to volunteer virtually. There are many options available but here is a list just to get you started.

One more very important piece of information that you need to know. Keep track of your volunteer hours. This can be done in your notes on your phone, a digital notebook or an old fashioned spiral notebook. It doesn’t matter where you track your hours, just be sure to do so. If you plan are joining an honor society such as National Honor Society in High School or NSLS in college, keeping track of these hours is critical and in some cases, you’ll need a signature.

It doesn’t matter where you volunteer, but the benefits of volunteering are something you can’t afford to pass up.

Some common places my students enjoy volunteering:

1. Young Mens Service League

2. Special Olympics

3. Ronald McDonald House

4. Parents, you might enjoy this list

5. Best Buddies

There are hundreds of opportunities for teens. You can find local community options or even online options.

The most important reason to volunteer:

Without a doubt, the most important reason to volunteer is that it changes you. It changes you in amazing unexpected ways that you never even knew you needed.

In my own life, I’ve become very aware that volunteering takes work. Not just doing the volunteering but finding places to volunteer. Covid didn’t do us any favors in this area but things are opening up again and there is a place for every single person who wants to volunteer. There are places who can match you to volunteer opportunities such as Volunteer Match. If you want to do something closer to your own community, you can do something so simple.

For example, my sister in law sends a note out to her neighbors and has everyone volunteer to bring 50 of something….50 toothbrushes, or 50 toothpaste or 50 bottles of water etc… She and her neighbors assemble 50 packages. These packages are then given to the people who contributed so they can keep them in their cars for when they see people in need, they can share them.

Another friend, organizes backpacks with items each year before school starts for kids who don’t have school supplies.

Whatever your passion is, there’s a way for you to use it to make someone else’s life better. This will have a ripple effect and actually make your life better in the end. It’s a win/win for everyone.