Volunteering is an opportunity to change lives, including your own. For many volunteers, this activity becomes part of their identity, so starting to volunteer at a young age can be truly transformative. And while taking on volunteering responsibilities may be challenging, personalizing exactly how you donate your time and involvement can make the commitment much less daunting.
The ámaxa blog helps our readers turn intention into impact. We are a nonprofit that connects our users to real problems at global nonprofits, whether you're in high school, university, or beyond.
https://www.bestbuddies.org/volunteer/
Tips for Volunteering
- Find your passion.
Committing to something that aligns with your interests may not even feel like a burden and can turn into a passion. Ask yourself what social issue, political concern, or general area interests you. - Work your schedule out.
Teenage life and high school schedules can be cramped, but we make time for what’s important. Many opportunities accommodate flexible schedules or remote involvement. - Research and start!
Volunteering impacts others’ lives and helps you grow as an individual. It also looks great for college applications or future jobs.
Here are some organizations perfect for driven and dedicated teens:
1. Kids Help Phone
Due to the global pandemic, Kids Help Phone now offers online volunteer opportunities, ranging from fundraising to frontline services. They welcome anyone supporting their mission, helping ensure young people across Canada can access the support they need.
2. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity inspires young people to help others. Teens can participate in activities like decorating sidewalks, educating younger children about safe homes, and more.
3. Meals on Wheels
Volunteers help local senior citizens by transporting and delivering meals to their homes. This role helps seniors who have been particularly affected by the pandemic.
4. Best Buddies
The Best Buddies community includes people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other disabilities. Teen volunteers provide friendship and support to someone who needs it.
5. The Humane Society
Teens passionate about animal welfare can volunteer in ways that fit their interests, schedule, and location. Opportunities exist for working with cats, dogs, and even exotic animals.
6. Rosie’s Place
Rosie's Place in Boston offers shelter, meals, and services for women, including food pantries, ESOL classes, legal assistance, wellness care, housing, job search help, and more. Volunteers may teach classes, lead workshops, or assist with daily operations. If you don’t live in Boston, consider volunteering at a local women’s shelter.
7. Access Books
Access Books provides high-interest books to schools and community libraries in inner-city areas. Volunteers help ensure students have access to quality reading materials.
8. Concourse House
Concourse House in The Bronx provides transitional housing for homeless families. Teen volunteers assist families with case management, workshops, referrals, and other services. If you’re outside New York, consider local shelters for similar opportunities.
9. Reusable LA
Reusable LA works to reduce plastic pollution through advocacy, outreach, and community engagement. Volunteers participate in hands-on environmental activism. If you’re not in Los Angeles, look for similar organizations nearby.
10. ámaxa – Solve real problems remotely
High school students can volunteer remotely with global nonprofits, tackling projects like funding solar lights in Uganda, furnishing homes for Afghan refugees, and more. Undergraduates and professionals can mentor. Learn more or apply today .
Written by Karina Miszori – May 7, 2022
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