Imagine a day in which all of the volunteers were absent! Can you imagine what our cities, towns, parks, schools, libraries, and places of worship would look like? Which programs would cease to exist? What opportunities to grow and develop would be lost forever? The truth is volunteers are critical to many of the things that we hold dear. An enormous range of volunteer projects are perfect for people with high energy, great ideas, and a willingness to serve others — no matter their age! Here at Metro ECMS we encourage our students to volunteer by completing 20 hours of community service each year. It is a way to help them to become responsible contributors to our global community. Yes, even a middle school student can make a difference! Some may ask what can I do that can make a difference? How can my act of kindness help others? One of the great things about volunteering is that you are never too young to start!
If you are a young person that wants to make a difference in your community here are some helpful tips to help you get started and find the right volunteer opportunity for you.
#1) Think about what do you like to do?
- Talk about your favorite activities. Regardless of the opportunities available you may
find that your interests match perfectly with the things that people are already doing
in your community.
#2) What do you care about?
- Think about your passionate about. Are there some things that you care about that could be
beneficial in your city, community, or specific group of interest? If you are more interested in
it then it will not be too difficult to enjoy being involved.
#3) What are you good at?
- Make a list of the things that you are good at. Don't be modest! If you are talented or
creative write it down and think of ways that you can use your skills to help or improve the
lives of others.
#4) What would you like to learn?
- Are there some careers that you have always wanted to explore? Volunteering is a perfect
way to gain a deeper level of understanding of that career field. Introducing novel and new
things into your life can possibly spark your interests in a new hobby or career interest.
#5) Ask & think about ways in which you can help.
- Start with the people that you know. Ask various professionals in which you come into
contact with about possible opportunities working with them. It is many times from these
conversations that you come to broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of
areas of need.
#6) Find various volunteer opportunities from which to choose from
- Don't just settle for what is available. Find something that peaks your interest and expands
your knowledge base. All volunteer opportunities are not created the same.
#7) Decide where to volunteer & commit to it
- Make a decision to a place to volunteer and honor your commitment. At many places it is
the volunteers that make the largest impact. Additionally when you volunteer somewhere
people begin to rely upon you and look forward to your assistance. Many times these
opportunities turn into paid positions or wonderful reference letters that you will need at a
later time.
If you are a young person that wants to make a difference in your community here are some helpful tips to help you get started and find the right volunteer opportunity for you.
#1) Think about what do you like to do?
- Talk about your favorite activities. Regardless of the opportunities available you may
find that your interests match perfectly with the things that people are already doing
in your community.
#2) What do you care about?
- Think about your passionate about. Are there some things that you care about that could be
beneficial in your city, community, or specific group of interest? If you are more interested in
it then it will not be too difficult to enjoy being involved.
#3) What are you good at?
- Make a list of the things that you are good at. Don't be modest! If you are talented or
creative write it down and think of ways that you can use your skills to help or improve the
lives of others.
#4) What would you like to learn?
- Are there some careers that you have always wanted to explore? Volunteering is a perfect
way to gain a deeper level of understanding of that career field. Introducing novel and new
things into your life can possibly spark your interests in a new hobby or career interest.
#5) Ask & think about ways in which you can help.
- Start with the people that you know. Ask various professionals in which you come into
contact with about possible opportunities working with them. It is many times from these
conversations that you come to broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of
areas of need.
#6) Find various volunteer opportunities from which to choose from
- Don't just settle for what is available. Find something that peaks your interest and expands
your knowledge base. All volunteer opportunities are not created the same.
#7) Decide where to volunteer & commit to it
- Make a decision to a place to volunteer and honor your commitment. At many places it is
the volunteers that make the largest impact. Additionally when you volunteer somewhere
people begin to rely upon you and look forward to your assistance. Many times these
opportunities turn into paid positions or wonderful reference letters that you will need at a
later time.