Young people face overwhelming amounts of influential guidance from parents, teachers, and their peers, which isn’t always positive or supportive. That’s where youth volunteering can be a healthy change.

Being criticized their whole lives, being taught right from wrong, and given everything they desire. People who volunteer are more likely to demonstrate leadership skills, be respectful, and have a positive work ethic.

The hardest thing for teenagers to do these days is accept that they don’t need the brand new iPhone or the more expensive PINK sweater. What they do need to realize is that most teens their age go without clothing, food, shelter, and proper education. Now some teens might love the idea of no school, but how would we achieve our dreams of being a Doctor or Lawyer without schooling?

Being surrounded by everything we’ve ever wanted is not going to help a teenager in the real world. Teenagers need to be shown right from wrong, influenced by a positive model, and be involved in their communities. Teenagers need volunteering opportunities and experiences in order to show how much help and support is needed in the world around us. For example, youth volunteering at a food bank or homeless shelter can help give a teen the understanding of what they take for granted and learn what people crave for everyday.

The more charitable organizations and causes a teen volunteers for, the more experience they are opened to. Teenagers who participate in community service opportunities are less likely to do drugs, get pregnant, or be disobedient towards their elders. These projects serve a positive purpose, changing perspectives daily and conquering those couch potatoes who now are running a children’s activity for underprivileged children.

Teenagers can research volunteer opportunities online, through their school volunteer boards, and communicate with friends and family and organize a volunteering team. Volunteering can also lead to internships, part-time jobs, recommended projects, and discovering a passion for a certain organization or line of work.

Being involved is one of the most rewarding experiences a teenager can receive whereas finding opportunities to be is harder than it may seem. Volunteering can go towards community hours for High School or simply developing your passion for helping the local community food bank. The younger children are involved the more they remember the experiences they take to heart and those whose lives they’ve made a difference in.

Get out there and make a difference, you may never know whose life may be affected.

Check out this website to learn where you can volunteer: http://wevolunteer.ca/