(YCB) The Importance of Community Service Lesson
The Importance of Community Service
President John F. Kennedy said: "To those whom much is given, much is expected." This quote is from his address to the Joint Convention of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The State House, Boston on January 9, 1961. Kennedy went on to say that history would record whether or not in our brief time on earth we had been able to fulfill our responsibility to our communities. Certainly our communities benefit when we volunteer to help.
Studies have proven that when young people volunteer, more adults volunteer also. When young people volunteer, the community gains a generation of young people who are all about where they live and are willing to make a commitment to improvement. The benefits to the community are obvious, but what about the benefit to you as a volunteer?
Some of the results of teen volunteerism include:
- Teens involved in volunteering are less likely to engage in destructive behavior.
- They learn respect for others.
- They learn to be helpful and kind.
- They learn to understand people who are different.
- They develop leadership skills.
- They have a better understanding of citizenship.
- They develop a better work ethic.
Besides the benefits stated here, why might you want to volunteer? You may volunteer because you feel compassion for people in need and believe you can make a difference. You may volunteer because you want to have a positive impact on your community. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to develop important job skills and to explore career options. Volunteering also helps you to expand your social circle and enhance your social awareness. Finally, whether applying to college or applying for a job, volunteer experience is important.
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