There are many benefits to volunteering in the community. Young people learn so many amazing things by getting out there and giving back.
Here are 7 things children learn through volunteering:
- Empathy and Compassion: Stepping into “another person’s shoes” isn’t always easy, especially in the fast-paced digital world kids live in today. Serving others and connecting with people of all ages, backgrounds, and differences teaches compassion and caring for others.
- Teamwork and Leadership: Kids are always searching to find their voice and develop a lasting identity as they grow up. Volunteering brings out the best in everyone, and gives students the courage and confidence to lead projects and groups of people they never would have thought they could.
- Courage to Step out of Comfort Zones: Volunteering takes guts! Pushing comfort zones is an important lesson students learn when pitching in in the community. Whether it’s getting up the courage to work in a soup kitchen with a group of strangers, or mentoring a child with special needs, stepping out of one’s norm is powerful, and what better place to do it than a safe volunteer environment?
- Time Management Skills: Like any activity that requires you to be on time, volunteering is a great practice in accountability. Much like a team sport, volunteering is a group activity where other people are counting on you and your dedication is vital to the success of the event.
- Self-Confidence: Doing good for others promotes a sense of accomplishment which, in turn, boosts self esteem and gives you a sense of purpose. Studies have shown it can increase your happiness, reduce stress, and make you feel better in general.
- Something They Are Passionate About: Volunteering gives your child a wide variety of experiences with different people and causes. This can spark a passion to pursue or can help them hone in on a skill they already possess. Encourage them to take the next step to give back. Does your child love to sing? Encourage them to lead a holiday caroling group to a local nursing home. Do they enjoy baking? Help them find an opportunity to bake for a local children’s shelter or to deliver baked goods to a local fire station. Is your child a soccer phenom? Have them help coach a younger team or a special needs group.
- They Can Help, Even During a Pandemic: There are many online volunteer opportunities available that can be safely done in the comfort of home and still make kids feel like they can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Today, colleges and universities are becoming more interested in how students use their gifts and time to make a positive impact in their communities than ever before. Volunteering can really make a college application shine!
The world needs volunteers, now more than ever, and there is no better time to start your child on their lifelong volunteering journey.
About Lion’s Heart Teen Volunteers and Leaders:
Lion’s Heart is a national nonprofit organization that connects 6th-12th grade students with local service opportunities that help them build a strong community service portfolio. Teens track hours, earn leadership awards, and export their service portfolio to use on scholarship, college, and career applications. We are nearly 6,000 members strong with new chapters forming every day across the United States with large chapters in Irvine and surrounding cities. We are also a certifying organization for both the President’s Volunteer Service.Awards and the Congressional Award.
“Think of others before yourself,” is truly at the core of the Lion’s Heart philosophy. Lion’s Heart teens nationwide have generously donated OVER 1.4 million hours of their time to community service, spanning a wide range of sectors–including creating hygiene kits for families in need, hosting donation drives for animal shelters, creating memorable experiences for children’s hospitals, mentoring special education students, enhancing protected environments, helping the hungry in soup kitchens and food banks, making masks for front line workers, and so much more. We encourage members to give back to their communities in meaningful ways while they build empathy, compassion, and positive leadership skills that they continue to hone to become future community leaders dedicated to positive social impact, our ultimate vision. Visit www.lionsheartservice.org or call us at 800-894-8877 for more information.