Interesting Volunteer Ideas for Teens Who Want to Make a Difference

Teen volunteer activities and opportunities are one of the best ways for teens to get an early start on their career goals, as well as a perfect option for teens who are not old enough to be legally employed. Teens as young as thirteen may want to start volunteering during their free time. The benefits of volunteering are numerous, and teens who decide to make the effort to volunteer often realize that volunteering can be a good way to develop skills that can carry over to the workplace.

There are also many positive mental health benefits for teens who choose to volunteer. A sense of affiliation with others, increased self-esteem, and self-confidence are just a few of the mental health benefits many teens gain from volunteer work. Some schools have even made volunteer hours a requirement for teens. The most important factor to consider when choosing where to begin volunteer work is whether the volunteer work will compliment a teen's interests and abilities. Teens interested in the environment may want to consider environmental volunteer work, while those interested in a career in the medical field might want to get a jump start on career opportunities by volunteering at a hospital, nursing home, or children's hospital.

Going Green

Teens who want to protect the environment may want to try volunteer work in a field related to environmental causes. There are many ways for teens to "go green" when they volunteer. Local environmental causes can encourage teens to take a stand and join local volunteer efforts in their communities. Teens who want to make a difference can come up with their own ideas and create their own environmental volunteer projects in their neighborhoods. Recycling drives are just one way that teens can volunteer for an environmental cause. Ambitious teens may want to volunteer with local groups in their area to plant flowers, trees, or clean up park areas.

Teens Against Violence

Teens who want to take a stand against violence may want to check out their local YWCA or community agencies for volunteer opportunities. One of the hallmark missions of the national YWCAs is to end violence against women and many YWCAs across the country have domestic violence programs which often run on a shoestring budget. Volunteers are essential to many small agencies, and teens can often make a difference by volunteering their time and efforts.

Mentoring

Teens interested in working with children can help in a number of ways by volunteering. One way to help is to offer free tutoring to younger children who may be struggling with reading, math, or other subjects in school. Often, a call to the local elementary principal can link teens to mentoring or tutoring volunteer opportunities. Teens may also consider asking neighborhood parents if they would like any help during the year with babysitting, tutoring, or assisting younger children. Many churches also offer teens the opportunity to assist in teaching religious education classes with younger children or assisting with babysitting services.

Neighborhood Goodwill

There may be no better place for teens to start volunteer work than in their own neighborhoods. One way to begin is to assess the needs of the neighborhood and the people who live there. Are there any neighbors who struggle with yardwork or physical labor? Would neighborhood children benefit from some organized games or activities? These are questions teens may want to ask when beginning a volunteer project in their neighborhood. Teens can also print flyers to distribute to neighbors advertising their free volunteer services.

Summer Camps

There are many summer camps that offer teens assistant positions in return for a summer at camp. Volunteering at a summer camp can be rewarding and fun at the same time. Teens who are interested in working with children or who have a special talent to share might want to consider volunteer work at a summer camp. Summer camps may even offer teens who volunteer a future paid position if they do well as a volunteer.

Helping the Less Fortunate

Volunteer work can be even more meaningful to teens who choose to volunteer for a cause that helps the less fortunate in the community or the world. Teens can start by locating local organizations which help the poor or underprivliged and inquiring about current volunteer needs or gaps in services. Teens may even consider starting their own project to help. Collecting food donations for local food pantries, used clothing, or winter coats are just a few ideas for individual volunteer efforts.

Creative Teens

Creative teens can use their talents to develop their own ideas about volunteer projects. Artistic teens can donate their art to children's hospitals or domestic violence shelters, or use their artistic talents to face paint at a local fundraiser or community event. The list of creative volunteer ideas for teens is unlimited for teens who dream to make a difference in their world.