EXTENSION REPORT

The Benefits of Youth Volunteerism

Everyone benefits when youth volunteer especially those involved in making services available to larger audiences. The community at large benefits from the efforts of volunteers. An estimated $60 billion dollars is contributed to the economy through volunteer services. More youth 59% volunteer compared to adults 49%.Why volunteer? Volunteerism promotes positive citizenship and it helps youth develop relationships with like-minded individuals.

What encourages youth to volunteer is being asked by organizations, friends, relatives, and their school. What discourages youth from volunteering is a lack of time, having busy schedules themselves and family responsibilities. When youth and adults are not actively engaged in a work activity daily because of economic slowdowns, volunteering can be an opportunity to fill in the gaps of unemployment. Giving back to the community by working on a community project, county project or creating your own project can be a rewarding experience. Journaling and keeping up with your volunteer activities is a way to capture positive time well spent that will enhance your resume or college application. The local newspapers devote special sections to volunteer opportunities through the area in Mobile and Baldwin counties. The key is finding that opportunity that you are passionate about enough to become a proactive participant. But sometimes we all need a push or a little direction, here are some action tips for parents, educators or youth leaders that might be the catalyst for some positive change in the life of our youth.

• Provide youth with volunteering information
• Invite/Ask/Encourage them to be a part of something that will change lives.
• Help youth to structure their time
• Find an opportunity that fits their interest level
• Alert youth to the rewards of volunteering
• Be a role model and make it a family event

Deidre Graham a junior at Murphy High School was named one of the top two volunteers from Alabama for the Prudential Spirit of Community award for her volunteerism. She will receive $1,000, a Medal of Honor and a trip to Washington, DC in May 2008.  She will also receive an award from the President of the United States that will be awarded to her at the Awards day on May 2 at her school.

For more information on Leadership Development and Youth Volunteerism, contact Amanda Outlaw at 574-8445 for the next Points of Light Youth Leadership training event. This training will help youth to develop the leadership skills that top corporations use to help their workforce become more actively involved in the community. Teamwork and decision making are core values that are taught in the training.

YWCA of Mobile youth volunteer every holiday making cards and gift baskets for hospice patients.

Adults volunteer at central Baldwin Middle school for Welcome to the Real World career and financial management simulation.

Jason Holland a Points of Light Leadership Institute graduate volunteers at a summer day camp.

Email address: aoutlaw@aces.edu
Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.