Top 5 Reasons Why Volunteering is Great for Young People

Young people who volunteer are motivated by the desire to make the world a better place—they are empowered to believe they can make a difference in their communities.

Millions of youths between the ages of 12 and 18 volunteer more than 1 billion hours of community service each year. Youth volunteering is great for our children, great for the organizations they serve, and it’s great for our communities. Encourage your child to get involved in volunteering at an early age—through youth groups, community groups, faith-based organizations, and school government—and watch what happens!

Why should you make volunteering an important part of your child’s life?

Consider the facts:

1. Young people who volunteer just one hour each week are 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol or cigarettes or to engage in risky or destructive behavior.

2. Volunteering helps young people develop a sense of identify and self-worth, as well as leadership skills.

3. Young people who volunteer are more likely to do well in school—and more likely to graduate.

4. Volunteering helps young people learn to respect others, to understand people who are different, to expand their social circle and social awareness, and to be helpful and kind.

5. Young people who volunteer are more likely to vote and give to charitable organizations as adults—and are three times more likely to volunteer as adults.

Source: Young Volunteers: The Benefits of Community Service, The University of Nevada/Reno