Hello everyone!
Volunteering has become a significant part of my life in the last year or so; I joined Key Club my freshman year of high school and completed over fifty hours of service and recently I’ve joined another local volunteer organization. More specifically, I volunteer at a rescue animal shelter almost every weekend, and I often help out at Rotary events as my dad is an active member and president of our town Rotary club. I’m always looking for new places to volunteer and I think it’s so important to identify issues in your area and get involved helping.
I think it’s important for everyone to find at least one cause to devote some time to volunteering. It’s one of the best feelings when you know you’re doing something that actually makes a difference in other people’s lives. It can just be a few hours or a small act of kindness, but it will still touch at least one person- and that’s what matters. I’ve volunteered at many different types of events with many different charities/organizations, and I think every experience has been a uniquely wonderful one. Once you start, you don’t want to stop!
If you’re not sure where to start, simply look around you. Who is asking for help and desperately in need of volunteers? Are you particularly passionate about something, such as saving animals or conserving the environment? You could join a club; usually a great portion of clubs at high schools are based upon some form of community service, whether with one specific cause in mind or a general goal of service. If you do have something specific in mind and would like to share the activity with others, consider starting your own club or group to do so!
School is a great way to find service opportunities in general, even if you aren’t joining or starting a club. Ask your school counselor about local opportunities- they’ll usually have a list they can give to you, and they may recommend specific options based on your interests if they know you well. Schools also often hold fundraisers or drives for different charities; mine holds a shoe drive, a book drive, a canned food drive, and more during different parts of the school year. You could offer to help with advertising and collecting for these types of events if you’re really good at fundraising and such.
Once you find a service opportunity that works for you and interests you, try and stay committed to it. The longer you keep at it, the more it will reward you- you’ll see the fruits of your efforts. It’s totally fine to bounce around and try different things; I just recommend keeping at least one volunteer organization/cause consistent because you can get to know the other people you’re working with and as you stay committed more opportunities will open up to carry out your own ideas for events/fundraisers, etc. Do whatever you feel is best and most fulfilling- there are so many options out there, and I know I wish I could try them all out.
In this world, we are nothing without each other. Sometimes a little extra help is needed, and you can be that person to provide it. I think volunteering also gives you a boost of self-confidence in a way; if you’re not feeling good about yourself but then you do something philanthropic, you’ll gain a sense of purpose and an understanding of your ability to make an impact on others. Volunteering has definitely given me that sense of personal fulfillment, and I continue to enjoy doing it no matter what the cause is.
I hope you guys are inspired to go out and volunteer after reading this! Remember, it doesn’t have to be huge- I know I started small. Do whatever you can and whatever you’re comfortable with; I promise it’s so worth it. Let me know if you have any questions or requests for future content, and feel free to share your favorite place to volunteer or favorite things about volunteering!
-Brooke
adventures of a typical high school student 