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A Student’s Guide to Community Service
Ideas and information on how young people can help make their communities better places to live.
The Prudential Insurance Company of America
751 Broad Street
Newark NJ 07102-3777
www.prudential.com
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![An abstract drawing of teens holding hands.](banner.gif)
©2007
In this fast-paced world, it’s surprising there’s
time for you to attend classes, do homework,
take part in extracurricular activities, and still
manage to relax and have fun with family and
friends.
Yet despite busy schedules, many young people
like you are concerned about what’s going
on in their neighborhoods and communities,
and are looking for ways to get involved. Here
are some facts:
- In a survey of nearly 1,000 young people
commissioned by Prudential, 95 percent of
those interviewed said they felt it’s important
for people to volunteer.
- Almost two-thirds of those
respondents said that
individual responsibility
is the best way to
address community
problems.
- 67 percent indicated
that they devote
some of their
time to volunteer
activities.
Why Volunteer?
Why are so many students interested in serving
their communities? Because they want to:
- Make a difference
- Develop new skills
- Prepare for college
- Explore career paths
- Have fun working with friends
- Feel good about themselves
Although the efforts of one person may seem
small, every act of service can have an important
impact on someone … and millions of
individual volunteers can create a revolution of
sorts. Whatever your reason for volunteering,
once involved, it’s easy to get hooked—
to “catch the spirit” of community
involvement. Volunteering can
expand your horizons and
become a satisfying,
lifelong commitment.
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What's Right for Me?
You may make an instant decision to volunteer in your community. But don't be hasty in selecting a project or organization. First, take time to think about what problems or issues in your neighborhood or community concern you.
Then, as you search for the “right” volunteer
activity, ask yourself:
- How much time do I have to commit?
- What talents or skills do I offer?
- What do I want to get out of my involvement?
- Will I enjoy this type of service?
There are many reasons to volunteer. But one
should be universal—volunteer for something
you can enjoy.
Don’t limit your thinking. You may want to
volunteer in the structured environment of a
large organization, or you may prefer the more
informal “family” feeling of a smaller group.
Perhaps you want to create your own
volunteer activity by engaging your friends or
family, or maybe just work alone on a project.
When you’ve selected or narrowed your
volunteer interests, you may want to talk to
your parents, friends, a teacher or club sponsor,
a counselor, or someone at your church or
synagogue. They might have suggestions
on how to go about making it happen. Call
organizations and local government offices
that offer services to the public. Read your
local newspaper. Watch and listen to the
television and radio news for ideas.
After you’ve made a choice, commit yourself
to it. Give it your energy—and adequate
time—to determine if it’s a good fit.
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What Can a Volunteer Do?
This information can help serve as a compass to
point you to some of the many possibilities for
volunteering. Combine these suggestions with
your own ideas and creativity—and go for it.
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A PRESCRIPTION
FOR SATISFACTION
So the medical or healthcare field intrigues
you. Take heart, opportunities abound.
Consider volunteering at a local blood bank, a
medical clinic for the poor, a nursing home, an
emergency medical squad, or a cancer or AIDS
facility. Maybe you’d enjoy entertaining kids in
the hospital, or collecting books and toys to
help them pass the time. Many young
volunteers also get involved
in walkathons and other fundraising
activities to fight
major diseases, or
to provide medical
care for those who
cannot afford it.
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ANIMAL
MAGNETISM
If animals are your passion, here’s a flock of
ideas. Check with your local zoo, animal shelter
or humane society. Volunteer chores can
include cleaning cages, feeding and exercising
the “residents,” assisting with adoptions,
working in the office, or planning
fund-raising events. Or consider
raising a guide dog for a blind
person. Perhaps your interests
are more in tune with
endangered species.
Think about volunteering
at a wildlife
refuge or nature habitat
where you can
steer your commitment
to awareness
campaigns or
fund-raising activities.
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YOU'RE READING
OUR MIND
If you enjoy reading, you’ve got a skill that’s
easy to share. Community shelters (for the
homeless or abused) often
house children who are as
hungry for fun
and stories as
for a square
meal. Libraries,
children’s hospitals
and Head
Start programs
may jump at the
offer of organized
story hours. On a more
personal level, you can read to an
elderly neighbor or someone who is blind.
Or check into a local organization that needs
readers for a “talking books” program.
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IF YOUR HEART’S IN THE ARTS
Young volunteers with an interest in the arts can
share those talents, as individuals or in a group.
Check with senior centers, shelters, daycare
programs, local parks, or recreation programs.
Offer to serve as an usher at a community
theater or help find stage props and costumes.
Or offer assistance at an arts center or a local
art gallery. You could present theatrical skits,
musical revues, magic shows, concerts or other
forms of entertainment at senior citizen homes,
hospitals or other community facilities. Not only
does your contribution help keep cash-strapped
arts alive in your community, but it also helps
build a lifelong appreciation
for the arts and brings
enjoyment to many.
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SOME SPORTING
GOOD IDEAS
Share your athletic talent and interest as
a coach or coaching assistant in sports or
recreational activities. “Help wanted” signs are
often posted at volunteer organizations serving
people with mental or physical challenges;
YMCA, YWCA or Red Cross chapters; local
civic organizations (like the Elks, Kiwanis,
Rotary or Lions clubs); city
parks; and recreation or
neighborhood programs
for low-income kids. They
often seek volunteers
to help out
with Little League,
swimming, softball,
basketball, soccer,
tennis, gymnastics,
or other
recreational
activities.
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APPLY YOUR
ABILITIES TO DISABILITIES
Be a special friend to people with mental or
physical disabilities. Not only will your skills
contribute to the programs, but you may help
change public perception about people who
have special challenges. Volunteer to help with
local, regional or state Special Olympics competitions
held in many communities. Local groups
and residential facilities often need volunteers
for field trips to museums and amusement
parks, recreation and sports activities, or arts
and crafts programs.
Contact community
centers or other
facilities for
disabled persons,
or ask
your mayor’s
office for
options.
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PROTECT THE
PLANET-RECYCLE
Concern about our environment is serious stuff.
And your commitment can start right at home.
If you’re not doing it now, start recycling your
own newspapers, glass and aluminum. Then get
your neighbors involved. If your school doesn’t
have a recycling program, talk with your teachers
or principal about getting one started. The
company that supplies
your school cafeteria
might lend a hand in this
effort. Young volunteers
also have been
known to recycle
tires, motor oil,
telephone books,
greeting cards,
Christmas trees and
computer ink cartridges. |
HEART AND
SOLE
Perhaps you don’t want to take on the responsibility
of organizing and planning. There are
other ways to help your favorite causes. There
are many activities in which you can let your feet
do the talking—at dance marathons and other
indoor activities or at outdoor events, such as
bicycle races, walkathons, and charity runs.
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BE A CRIME
FIGHTER
So you have an interest in police work as a
career, or are concerned about crime in your
community. Contact your
local police department
to see if you can help
develop or get involved
in a student-watch
program. How about
developing a school
watch program?
Talk with your
principal or school
counselor about establishing a student patrol
that keeps an eye out for and reports theft, graffiti
and other crimes at your school. Or think
about educating other young people about
avoiding drugs, dealing with strangers, or
staying safe on the Internet. Another possibility:
volunteer to take part in “teen court” justice systems
that operate in many cities.
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MANY IN NEED,
INDEED
Perhaps you’ve been concerned about homeless
or needy people. Their needs are many—from
shelter to food and clothing. Community
projects and church-affiliated organizations
such as Habitat for Humanity need volunteers to
construct housing for the poor. Volunteer to help
prepare or distribute food at community or
church-sponsored soup kitchens. A local low-income
housing project may need
some help in a community garden.
Or you can plant and tend your own
garden, and then donate the fruits (or
vegetables) of your labor
to a local food bank, or
sell them to support your
favorite charity. Many young
volunteers also have had
success with school or community
campaigns to collect food,
clothing, books, toys, school
supplies, eyeglasses, toiletries,
backpacks and holiday gifts
for the disadvantaged.
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SPREAD THE
WORD
Perhaps you’d like to educate fellow students
and others in your community about an issue
that’s important to you. For example, you could
warn fellow students about smoking,
drug or alcohol abuse, AIDS, or negative
peer pressure. Or you could promote
important ideals such as
racial tolerance, a
clean environment,
or traffic safety.
You might want to
put together an
educational presentation
and take it to
schools in your area,
or launch a general
awareness campaign
in your
community.
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SPRUCE UP YOUR TOWN
Here are some earthy ideas to sink your hands
into. Your local parks department may
welcome an offer to plant trees and flowers in
public parks, along walkways, or in downtown
areas. Local environmental groups, landscaping
companies and the National Arbor Day
Foundation often give away tree seedlings.
Talk to your principal about ways to beautify
and maintain your school grounds. Or consider
cleaning up litter on a regular basis from
neighborhood streets, local streams,
highway shoulders and other public
places. Another idea:
offer to help paint
over graffiti on
school or city
property.
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KIDS ARE YOUR
THING
If you like helping
other kids, or are
considering a teaching
career, volunteering
can work for you.
Schools, churches,
libraries and community
centers often have
tutoring or mentoring
programs for youngsters.
Local camps,
especially those for
sick or low-income kids, frequently need
counselors. Other places to consider: children’s
hospitals, daycare centers, shelters, programs
for “latchkey” kids, homework tutoring phone
lines, and Big Brother or Sister programs.
Some city or county courtrooms are interested
in activities for children who must come to
court with a parent; ask about setting up a
room with books and toys, and volunteer to
help care for these children. If you prefer, you
could organize your own “camp” to get local
children involved in sports, music, science,
theatre, gardening or some other activity.
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YOUR OWN SPECIAL
BRAND OF HELP
If you want to do something in your own
special way, put on your creative thinking cap.
On your own, or with a few
friends, you can raise money
for your favorite cause
through bake sales, car
washes, and garage sales.
Or form a volunteering
club at your school
that can work on a
wide variety of
service projects.
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Do's & Don'ts of
Successful Volunteering
![A handy man carrying a ladder, watering can, hammer and wood.](handyman.gif)
- Do be flexible. It is rare to find the “perfect” fit
right away. Keep an open mind—you might
discover something new that interests you.
- Do be persistent. Volunteer coordinators are
often busy, so don’t assume they’re not interested
in you if they don’t call you right away.
- Do attend orientation meetings. Keep in mind
that informed volunteers are the best volunteers.
These meetings will help you do the best
job possible.
- Do take necessary training classes. Ask about
them before you decide to get involved and be
prepared to learn what will be needed.
- Do be responsible. Show up on time and follow
through with your commitments. People will be
depending on you.
- Don’t expect to start at the top. You have to
work hard and prove your worth before you are
given more responsibility.
- Don’t think that volunteering has to be a group
effort. You can start your own volunteer
program and do it on your own time.
- Do expect to get plenty of personal enjoyment
and satisfaction from your
volunteer experiences.
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Local Resources for
Volunteer Ideas
- Principal, counselor, teacher
- Churches and synagogues
- Organizations such as the United Way—and
their many affiliates
- Mayor’s office
- Civic service groups, such as the Elks, Rotary,
Kiwanis, Lions clubs
- Local arts centers, community theaters
- Food pantries, shelters for battered women and
the homeless
- Zoos, animal shelters, conservation groups
- Hospitals, hospices, nursing homes
- Residential facilities for disabled persons or
abused children
- Newspapers, television and radio
- Schools and libraries
- Local community and volunteer centers
We hope this booklet has given you some ideas
for volunteer service and information on where
to find organizations in need of young volunteers.
There is little doubt that your help is needed,
whether in your school, your neighborhood
or city, or through your church or synagogue.
Match your interests with the many volunteer
opportunities available.
If you are still stumped, on the next page is a list
of some national service organizations that offer
information on youth volunteerism. Write or
call them for additional ideas.
Ready, set, go — Catch the Spirit of volunteerism!
Arthur F. Ryan
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Prudential Financial
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National Organizations with Information for Young
Volunteers
The Prudential Spirit of Community Initiative
751 Broad Street, 16th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
www.prudential.com/spirit
USA Freedom Corps
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
www.usafreedomcorps.gov
America’s Promise
909 N. Washington Street
Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.americaspromise.org
Points of Light Foundation and Hands On Network
600 Means Street, Suite 210
Atlanta, GA 30318
www.pointsoflight.org
www.handsonnetwork.org
Do Something
24-32 Union Square East
4th Floor South
New York, NY 10003
www.dosomething.org
Network for Good
8615 Westwood Center Drive
Suite 1A
Vienna, VA 22182
www.networkforgood.org
Volunteer Match
385 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
www.volunteermatch.org
Youth Service America
1101 15th Street, N.W.
Suite 200
Washington, D.C. 20005
www.ysa.org
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This booklet was produced by Prudential Financial
in cooperation with the Federal Citizen Information
Center. It is part of the Prudential Spirit of
Community Initiative, which seeks to promote
volunteer service and community involvement
by young people. The initiative also includes:
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards,
an international recognition program that honors
young people in middle and high school grades for
outstanding volunteer service. In the United States,
applications are accepted each fall through participating
schools and officially designated local organizations,
and awards are presented at the local, state
and national level. The top two youth volunteers
in each state receive $1,000 awards, engraved
silver medallions and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Ten national honorees receive an additional
$5,000, gold medallions, and crystal trophies.
The program has been operating in the U.S. since
1995 in partnership with the National Association
of Secondary School Principals, and also has been
introduced in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Ireland.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Web site at www.prudential.com/spirit/, featuring news and information
about The Prudential Spirit of Community
Awards program, profiles of outstanding youth volunteers,
volunteer tips and project ideas for young
people, an electronic newspaper on youth volunteerism,
and more.
The Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute, a unique
leadership and service training program for high
school students. Developed and initially funded
by Prudential, the Institute features an innovative
curriculum developed by the Center for Creative
Leadership and is now administered in communities
throughout the United States by the Points of Light
Foundation.
For more information, write to:
The Prudential Spirit of Community Initiative
751 Broad Street, 16th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102-3777
For additional copies of this booklet, write to:
Federal Citizen Information Center
Catch the Spirit
Pueblo, CO 81009
1-888-8 PUEBLO
www.pueblo.gsa.gov
Copyright 2007 Prudential Financial.
Prudential is a service mark of The
Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ, and its
affiliates. This booklet may be photocopied provided appropriate
credit is given to Prudential.
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