There are many ways that youth can give back to their communities.
Implementing community-service projects among youth helps children learn be active members of society by tackling needs in the community, according to the Corporation of National and Community Service. There are volunteering needs throughout the United States, and there are many projects that youth can do locally to make a positive difference in the community.
Adopt a Nonprofit Organization
There are nonprofit organizations in every community in the nation, and many of these organizations strive to help others in some way, whether it be to provide academic assistance to youth, tackle poverty or provide shelters for the homeless. These charities are often in need of volunteers, and a volunteer's time may make a positive difference to the organization. Encourage a group of children to research local organizations and choose a charity to adopt for a specific amount of time, such as a summer or even school year. Have the children contact the organization and determine the organization's needs. Take weekly field trips and provide hands-on assistance at the charity. The youth could perform a variety of tasks, such as reading to small children at a daycare or sorting clothes at a thrift store. Also, encourage the youth to serve as community advocates for the organization by creating public service announcements, and even encourage the children to host fundraisers to benefit the charity.
Host a Health Fair
To advocate for preventative health, have a group of teens host a free community-wide health fair. Encourage the youth to determine all logistics of the fair, such as the location and the number of volunteers needed. Have the teens contact a local hospital or doctor's office to determine if any health-care professionals can voluntarily conduct sugar-level blood screenings, cholesterol tests, body mass index screenings and blood pressure checks at the health fair. Encourage the youth to advertise the event by posting fliers throughout the community or even getting some air time at no charge on a local radio station.
Neighborhood Cleanup
To introduce children to the concept of community action, implement a youth-led neighborhood cleanup project in your community. If there is a neighborhood in your area that has littered streets or graffiti-stained walls or buildings, encourage the youth to take action and help spruce up the area. Purchase paint to cover the graffiti, or purchase flowers and plants to landscape city-owned flowerbeds. Take trash bags to the area, and pick up all trash that may be lining the streets. Be sure to get permission with the city before making plans, and ensure the area is a safe place for youth. It's not a good idea to go on residents' property, so only walk on city-owned property.
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