Youth Engagement in Volunteerism

Youth engagement involves working to make a difference in the life of one’s community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference.

 

Many of the nation’s volunteers are young people. More than half (59 percent) of teenagers in the United States reported that they participated in youth volunteer work in 2009, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service , CNCS, (2010). Most youth volunteers do so out of selflessness and an interest in making in a difference in the lives of others, according to one survey. Only five percent of students reportedly volunteered because of a school requirement (Corporation for National and Community Service).

 

Youth Volunteer Statistics:

·        55% of youth volunteer.

·        The typical youth volunteer contributes 29 hours per year.

·        ¾ of youth who volunteer do so through youth, school or religious organizations.

·        10.6 million Youth have engaged in community service as part of a school activity.

·        If family members volunteer, youth will too.

Benefits for youth:

• Youth who volunteer are more likely to feel connected to their communities and, do better in school, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior (CNVS).
  
• Research has shown that when disengaged youth are involved in quality volunteer opportunities, their level of social trust increases and the likelihood that they will engage in risky behaviors decreases (Flanagan et al, 2005).
  
• Youth are not only more likely to volunteer if their entire family is involved in the effort, but the shared experience can result in strengthened family bonds (CNVS).
  
• Empowerment - youth believe they can make a difference.
  
• Increased self-worth - youth develop a sense of identity, moral and ethical values.
• Citizenship – youth obtain increased community awareness.
• Academic skills – youth recognize increased relevance of subject, developing critical thinking skills.
• Career related skills – youth develop more positive work orientation attitudes and skills.
• According to a recent study, students who performed voluntary community service were 19 percent more likely to graduate from college than those who did not (Dávila & Mora, 2007).
• Participation in civic engagement activities can help youth become better informed about current events. For example, according to the 2006 National Civic and Political Health Survey, approximately a quarter of youth who had not participated in civic engagement activities within the last year did not answer any questions regarding current politics correctly (Dávila & Mora, 2007).
• Youth who volunteer just one hour or more a week are 50% less likely to abuse alcohol, cigarettes, become pregnant or engage in other destructive behaviors.
• Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate and vote.
• Young people involved in community service are more likely to have a strong work ethic as an adult.
• Youth who volunteer are three times more likely to volunteer as adults.
• Eighty-one percent of Americans who have volunteer experiences when they are young give to charitable organizations as adults.

 

Interested in volunteering? Call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 272-2087 or check out www.vccv.org.