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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.
There are countless ways for students under 18 to volunteer and create a positive impact in their communities. It can sometimes be challenging to find the perfect volunteer opportunity when under 18, but this article can serve as a guide to help students match their passions to the perfect volunteer program. Volunteering should never feel like a chore, so it is important to understand your interests before choosing a volunteer project.
Volunteering under 18 is a special and unique opportunity: you get to make a difference, learn new skills, and meet like-minded individuals while positively impacting your community.
If you feel drawn towards education, you can use your skills as an educated student to mentor and tutor younger kids. As a high school student, most schools and programs are excited to have someone come and help with elementary-level children. Volunteer opportunities for those interested in education can be found at community centers, after-school programs, youth organizations, literacy programs, summer camps, online platforms, and most importantly, local schools. Getting involved in education not only empowers students to make a positive impact on a child’s life, but also provides valuable skills, broadens perspectives, and instills a sense of empathy and social responsibility.
As a student under 18, it may feel like you are too young to save the planet, but you are not! For those interested in the environment, there are plenty of environmental initiatives available to students. This could be anything from joining beach cleanup groups to volunteering at environmental organizations or local government agencies. Other initiatives for individuals under 18 include tree planting projects, helping at community gardens, recycling and waste reduction, river and waterway cleanup groups, and habitat restoration projects.
Volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes as an individual under 18 years old can be a rewarding and impactful experience. If you feel drawn towards the medical profession or helping sick patients, this is a great path to explore. Hospitals and nursing homes offer various volunteer roles for high school students: preparing and delivering meals and refreshments for patients, assisting with administrative tasks, providing friendship and entertainment for the residents, organizing recreational activities, and supporting the other staff with non-medical duties.
If you are interested in promoting education and learning for all age groups, children and adults included, many libraries and museums offer volunteer programs for students under 18. Your responsibilities would likely include organizing events, helping with reading programs, and assisting with educational activities. If you have a particular interest in a subject, volunteering at a library or museum allows you to share that passion with others and meet individuals who share your interest.
If you feel drawn towards a future in politics, government, or law, you might want to consider volunteering at a political campaign. Even if you are not old enough to vote, you can still participate in political campaigns. While some specific tasks may require older volunteers, common roles for high school students include canvassing neighborhoods, making phone calls, entering voter data into computers, distributing campaign materials, or even engaging in social media outreach.
If you love animals or hope to someday work in an animal-related field, volunteering at an animal shelter could be a valuable experience. Most animal shelters are open to having volunteers under 18 years of age, and by contacting local shelters, they can inform you of any parental consent needed to volunteer.
If you have a passion for sports, you can actually find a volunteer program that allows you to impact the community and play your favorite sport at the same time. As a student under 18, you can volunteer as a coach, referee, or mentor for youth sports programs in your community. With a bit of research, you can find local youth sports programs in need of help.
For students who are interested in theater, art, and culture, there are volunteer opportunities in the arts that can cater to your passion. Community theaters rely on volunteers to function. As a high school student, you could volunteer to help with a wide range of tasks at a community theater: set construction, costume design, stage management, ticketing, or ushering.
If your interest is not listed in this article, that does not mean that there are no volunteer opportunities for you. With a bit of research, you can always find a volunteer opportunity that feels right for you and creates a positive impact on your community.
If you are under 18 and struggling to find the right volunteer program, you can apply to ámaxa, and we can help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity and match you with other students who share similar interests to you.
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