Volunteering

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Most states in the US require community service as part of their high school curriculum. Not so with New York. Perhaps that's why New York was recently ranked near the bottom of our fifty states when it comes to volunteering. As parents, we have the power to make volunteering a part of our children's lives. Every local community theater, every library, every hospital and veterinary clinic can be approached for possible community service.

Volunteering is easily combined with improving a wide variety of skills, but the main attraction isn't about academic education, it's about self-esteem and feeling like you actually make a difference. This list includes resources for international traveling and local community service, with parents' comments. Check out What's Free or Cheap in NYC for a list of internships that also provide community service. And don't forget to include these activities on your kids' resumes and college transcripts!

Whatever their interests, kids can find volunteer organizations that can help them get involved, learn, and be of practical use while gathering invaluable experience.

Back to index / Back to top

One parents comments about volunteering in their own neighborhood and at a women's shelter in the Bronx: "I have so so much to say about volunteering and the value of it - for multiple reasons! Recently, my son and his friends from the block (about six of them) organized a car wash. Although I have mixed feelings about car washing in a time of conservation, I supported their idea and supplied the hose. Well - they made $150.00!!! They were all excited and it was interesting to hear them all discussing what to do with it. I made a suggestion that they save some for future projects, and also that they consider making a difference in someone's life. They decided to donate to Unicef. Once the ball got rolling they all decided to donate their shares!

"The Women's Shelter where I have been involved for years is a huge part of our lives and continues to be a place where we can be of service with kids. It is harder to find places to volunteer where there are kids (lots of privacy protection, etc.) but this is a place that has allowed us in. It's difficult to put into words what an impact gving our time and attention to these very underserved kids has been for our son. The self-esteem and empowerment that comes from helping out is beyond books. The physical act is so important and needed! And doing it so close to home (I think) really gives the kids volunteering a new perspective and gratitude for their own lives."

Back to index / Back to top

Page Index

U.S. Information		International Information
Books & Articles	Websites	Books & Articles	Websites

U.S. Information

Books & Articles

"Volunteering for Kids" - article by Rebecca Hardy

Back to index / Back to top

Websites

4H USA.org

American Red Cross: search for volunteer opportunities

AmeriCorps - a variety of programs for for people over 17.

In Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Library's T4 (Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies) program is is a well-designed volunteer program offered at the Brooklyn Public Library. They offer a two-week summer training program, and their volunteer hours are flexible. One parent's comments: "This program greatly benefited my son. Please note that the volunteer hours are really very flexible and designed to meet the needs of the students, and can be started when the student is ready. Also, about half of the volunteer hours can be fulfilled through attending additional technology training offered at the library in various subjects (3-D animation, photoshop, web design, etc.). The children also learn conflict resolution and dealing with patrons. "
Program description: By participating in this volunteer program, you'll learn new computer skills in a two-week summer technology institute, and then share those skills by helping patrons use library computers. You'll also assist library staff with computer troubleshooting and computer training workshops for the public.
Responsibilities:
- Assist Adult Librarians, working as lab assistants in delivering computer training programs.
- Assist patrons in using Windows-based software and online Library resources.
- Assist Library Technology Resource Specialists by troubleshooting more advanced technology problems, applying skills learned in training workshops.
Requirements:
- 14-18 years old. (mature 12 and 13 can apply)
- Consent portion of T4 Volunteer Application signed by parent or guardian before starting the assignment.
- Attend and successfully complete a two-week summer technology workshop, prior to beginning T4 volunteer assignment.
- A friendly and approachable manner.
- After successful completion of the workshop, teens volunteer a minimum of three hours per week for a period of at least six months.
- T4s are asked to attend two Volunteer Forums during the year, for teens to discuss challenges and successes experienced, exchange tips on coaching, and socialize.
Complete an online T4 application or print an application (pddf format) and mail it to: Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies (T4), New Lots Library, 665 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
For further information, please contact Todays Teens, Tomorrow's Techies at 718-649-0311 or or 718-649-0121 ext. 135 or e-mail us at T4@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Back to index / Back to top

City Year New York - for people 17-24 who can dedicate a year to voluntary service. Also in other cities.

In the Bronx: Wave Hill holds a seven-week summer teen intern program -- help prune trees and gardens in the Bronx and study environmental science. See more information (pdf format). You can also volunteer year-round in the Wave Hill gardens and educational center.

The Clearwater is a tall ship that resides on the Hudson River with an environmental and educational mission, using volunteer help. The organization was in part founded by folksinger Pete Seeger. One parent's comments: "This is for anyone interested in sailing, marine biology or just the environment. The older you get the harder it is to get a position that is anything other than a lackey. You'll be competing with college kids with many credentials who tend to come back year after year. But my teen son did enjoy his week as an unpaid lackey."

Back to index / Back to top

Corporation For National and Community Service

The Corps Network is the voice of the nation�s 113 Service and Conservation Corps. Currently operating in 41 states and the District of Columbia, Corps annually enroll more than 23,000 young men and women who contribute 13 million hours of service every year. Corps annually mobilize approximately 125,000 community volunteers who contributed more than 2.4 million additional hours of service.
DoSomething.org

Idealist.org offers a resource for finding volunteer opportunities.
Learn and Serve America

Youth Service volunteer opportunities from New York Cares

NYC Parks - Volunteer Opportunities

Back to index / Back to top

Places to Volunteer in NYC - a list of links from Hearts and Minds.

Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network

Wave Hill in the Bronx - see above

The Wild Bird Fund at Animal General: . One parent's comments: "Our family volunteers for The Wild Bird Fund at Animal General. Rita and Karen, the volunteer wildlife rehabilitators, are always in need of families to foster sick or injured wildlife, mostly birds. They include my kids in everything they do with the animals. My kids know how to administer meds, feed a newborn bird, set a bird up for an x-ray, splint a broken leg and so much more. The best way to connect with them in a meaningful way is to bring in an injured or sick-looking bird and let them know that you'd like to care for or foster the bird (or animal). Eventual release is always the goal. We "visit" the birds that we've cared for and released all over the city! And one sweet pigeon that couldn't be released is now our family pet. Several live right on our block. The website has all the pertinent info such as times to bring in birds, etc."

Back to index / Back to top

International Information

Books & Articles

How to Live your Dream of Volunteering Overseas, by Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher. This book has a companion website with an excellent reference section, one that includes a section called "Couples, children, age, nationality & degree programs."

Volunteer: A Traveler's Guide to Making a Difference Around the World, by Charlotte Hindle, Nate Cavalieri, Rachel Collinson, and Korina Miller. Published by Lonely Planet

Back to index / Back to top

Websites

American Jewish World Service - volunteering opportunities for young adults in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Volunteers for Peace, an international volunteering service. One parent's comments: "Both my teenage son and daughter have used vfp.org successfully several times. It is the cheapest and most "immersive." You are grouped with people from other countries and usually (although my older daughter did go AWOL from one that was not a good fit) have wonderful host organizations that are very glad for the help and will even plan trips to local sites and activities."

Back to index / Back to top