Youth Volunteering DOES Have a Positive Impact On All Involved

After looking at the positives and negatives of youth volunteering, it is fair to ascertain that, although not 100%, the majority of youth volunteering does have a positive impact on all involved. There will always be negative factors and struggles throughout all walks of life.

Whether it's tutoring/mentoring, fundraising, disaster relief, internships, caregiving or simply engaging with those who may be in need of company - most young people ARE competent, willing, ready and able. At times, they don't even need an organisation to recruit them, they'll band together and build something from the ground themselves.

There are a multitude of success stories about young people thriving off the volunteer work they carry out, the people that benefit from their efforts, and clubs/teams/schools/organisations that are proud to have them as representatives. The more support, trust and respect they receive, the more empowered they will be to continue their good work.

In saying that, children and adolescents can be wild and tempremental. It is imperative that they are engaged in whatever activity they are volunteering their time for, even if not at first. Authority figures cannot allow them to rush into committing to a venture, time has to be spent assessing the options and working out the best match. A connection has to be made. They have to want to spend their time there. Otherwise, they will become complacent and begin resenting the act and those in charge. Youths have to be closely guided, without feeling pressured or patronised. They should be treated as equals and involved in all aspects of planning, decision-making, and execution of a project in order to feel a full sense of acheivement. For especially young children (12 and under) there are many programmes designed for whole families or a parent and child to volunteer together, that way safety and guidance is assured.

For truly successful community service experiences, those on the receiving end must also respect the youths and be appreciative of their assistance. Otherwise what is the point? We all know there is nothing worse than someone who is blatanly ungrateful. If this is unachievable, then the placement is not right for either party and the situation should be re-assessed. Trouble only happens when a volunteer, youth or adult, does not want to be involved and nor does the beneficiary, or when either party is being exploited in some way.

Recognition, although not a sole reason for volunteering, is also fantastic for empowering those young volunteers that put tremendous effort into volunteering and go the extra mile.

Youths are the future, and it is important for them to understand humanitarian activities, even if they can't enjoy them. Youths who volunteer will help to maintain a functioning society in generations to come, and will teach those values to their children who will carry the practices on. People in the 21st Century tend to be too busy, too self-absorbed, and sometimes lack empathy. Instilling the positive values that accompany volunteering in our young people, and having young people that care about the welfare of others can only be a positive thing. They will gain a wealth of knowledge, stories, experiences, friends, and a sense of fulfillment knowing they helped to make the world a better place in the process.