Get Up and Give Back!

School has been out for a month.  How's it going at your house?  Is your teen sleeping late, playing too many video games, watching too much television?  If you are at the point that that precious someone needs a little constructive nudge, how about encouraging a volunteering activity? 

When you mention the word “volunteer” to your teenager, your suggestion may be met with moans of resistance. However, volunteering is a very worthy and valuable way for your teen to fill his or her free time. The key to convincing your teenager that volunteering is a good idea is to find a volunteer opportunity that speaks to their talents and interests. Once your teen realizes that volunteering can actually be fun, they may surprise you by seeking out volunteer opportunities on their own. Exposing them to possible career paths may save time and money in the future.  Better to determine now that working with children or construction or the medical field is not something they like as much as they thought they would.  Saves a lot of college semesters.   (It also fluffs up those college applications that are down the road).
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is one of the nation’s leading volunteer organizations. Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need. They serve communities across the country, so it is highly likely that you can find a Habitat project near your home town. Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity is a great way for your teens to make a real, tangible difference in your community. Teenagers like the physical activity of constructing a house, and it is very rewarding to meet the family who will live in the home and see the final product at the end of the week. There is also a retail store that resales donated materials.  They always need help stocking and unloading.
Nursing Homes
Local nursing homes are always in need of volunteers. Teenagers can volunteer at nursing homes to help with light administrative duties, food preparation, or simply spend time with the residents of the facility. Teens can read to residents, play games and cards, or just sit and talk with those who live at the facility. Volunteering at a nursing home is a great option for outgoing teens, as well as those who are a bit more shy and reserved. Chances are good that your teen will make an unexpected friend during the time that he spends at the home.
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters represent a great volunteer opportunity for volunteers of all ages. Volunteers are always needed to play with the pets at the shelter, walk dogs, clean cages, feed, and bathe the animals. If your teen is an animal lover, volunteering at a local animal shelter is a great way to fill his or her free time and make a real difference in the lives of animals in the community.
Summer Camp
If your teen is too old to attend summer camp, but not old enough to be a counselor, why not consider volunteer opportunities? Volunteers are always welcome as counselors-in-training. Many camps also invite volunteers to lead classes and activities, such as sports, games, and arts and crafts. Contact both overnight camps and day camps in your area to see if they are in need of volunteers for the summer session.
Hospitals
Your teen can make a real difference in the lives of others by volunteering at a hospital. Volunteer opportunities abound at local hospitals. Your teen can volunteer to be a candy striper, helping hospital staff with basic nursing and cleaning duties. They can also volunteer to be a patient advocate or support person and spend their time visiting the patients, bringing books and treats, and even playing with the children in the pediatric ward.
So, get em' off the couch and out the door- saving the world one day at a time.  chrissie

The Power Of One

School's out! Summer's around the corner. Freedom. Lazy days. Loose schedules. Sleeping late. No homework. Time on your hands. Footloose and Fancy Free. Three months of your life.

Lake time. Concerts. Going to the mall. Road Trips. Getting a tan. Swimming. Playing ball. Hanging with friends. Talking on yur cellphone. June, July and August-the best months of the year.

Let's throw another idea out here. Could you consider making this summer a little more productive? Could you give some precious free time to perhaps make your world a better place? Is it possible to share your skills, your youth and enthusiasm in a worthwhile endeavor? Can you make a difference? Of course you can.

If you read the last two blogs, you will see a pattern. To claim your future, you must plan today. Doing something constructive and philanthropic is not only a good thing to do, it is a good thing for you. You learn leadership, you take responsibility, you acquire discipline. Helping out helps you think outside your box, expands your world view and exposes you to new ideas and new perspectives. A by-product is that choosing to make this summer count also adds more to your future college application than "I have a a good personality and am a people person."

Do you need some ideas? Organize a bake sale. "Share Our Strength" is tackling world hungry, one cupcake at a time. Go to http://www.strength.org/ for all the scoop. Want to help, get a tan and a workout at the same time? Contact Habitat for Humanity and help a family have a home of their own. Interested in politics? In case you haven't noticed, there is an election going on. Walk in your candidate's campaign headquarters and offer your help. Keep your ears open and learn the process. Do you love animals? Contact your local animal shelter and share the love. Thinking Green? Implement a recycling campaign, a park or river clean up or a community awareness effort that educates everyone. There is lots of info on the web and tools to get started.

Don't think it has to be you alone. Be the leader and get your team, your club or your friends involved. How about a one day Lemonade Sale at key locations that benefits a local and worthwhile charity. The charity gains the financial support and you gain all the skills needed to pull the event together. Public Relations, donations, advertising, sponsors, accountability, organization and volunteer recruitment- look what you can do!

Think about what you enjoy and incorporate it into your project. Biking, music, jogging, cooking, medicine, the outdoors, the environment, farming, fashion, children, older people, reading, writing....the list is endless. I read about a fourteen year old who regularly visited his Grandfather in a nursing home. He noticed all the residents wanted to talk to him and to share their stories. He motivated his middle school band to make regular visits to the nursing home. They brought treats and encouraged their older "friends" to talk and even recorded their stories. Later the group printed the stories and returned them as journals to the residents at the nursing home.

Have a wonderful summer "off". That's important. But "off" could just mean different. Watch a little less TV. Spend a little less time on the computer. Put the X Box down for a minute. Get off your duff and get on with your life. Identify and implement something bigger than you are. Now that's a way to spend the summer!

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