When it comes to volunteering their time and talents to help others, teenagers are the most generous of all. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28 percent of people aged 16-17 volunteered between 2019 and 2021, the highest rate of any age group.
Today, resources abound for matching volunteers of all ages with opportunities to help their communities and a variety of religious, environmental and social causes. And teens can effectively use their smart devices to find volunteer opportunities by leveraging various apps, websites and social media platforms.
Here are some steps and tools teens can use to get started serving others.
Matching platforms
Apps like VolunteerMatch connect teens with local service opportunities, allowing them to contribute to their communities according to their interests and abilities. JustServe, a similar service, has connected more than 600,000 volunteers with community projects and organizations in need of help, while Idealist lists volunteer opportunities, internships and paid jobs at nonprofit organizations.
Community and school websites
Many local nonprofits have websites with volunteer information and application forms. In addition, schools, libraries and community centers often post community service opportunities for students on their websites and social media pages.
Social media
Joining local community groups or pages dedicated to volunteering and community service on Facebook can link students to opportunities to serve, as can following local nonprofits and organizations on Instagram and Twitter. The neighborhood-focused social media platform Nextdoor is another good resource where groups post local volunteer needs and community events.
Nonprofit organization websites
Online hubs for local and regional branches of national nonprofits are also solid resources. For example, the American Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer roles for different age groups, while Habitat for Humanity provides opportunities for volunteers to help build homes and improve communities. Feeding America connects volunteers with local food banks and hunger relief organizations.
Civic and religious organizations
Local government resources such as city and county websites often list volunteer opportunities and community service projects. Also, many churches, synagogues and other houses of worship have youth groups dedicated to community service.
Educational and environmental programs
Youth-oriented organizations like 4-H, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts maintain strong commitments to volunteerism as part of their core beliefs. By joining one of these groups, kids can gain exposure to community service projects. Groups like the Sierra Club have environmental volunteer opportunities for teens passionate about conservation and sustainability.
By utilizing these tools and platforms, teens can easily find and engage in volunteer opportunities that match their interests and contribute positively to their communities.
Raising kids and teens in a complex digital world isn’t easy. Get tips from experts in our Parents’ Resource Center and align your kids’ online access with your family’s values. Check out our Connect and Protect plans designed for kids here.
