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The Power of Giving
Teen volunteers make a difference for themselves,and others By Laurie Dove
For example, if teens are performing a recital for parents, suggest the recital take place at a local senior center or children's hospital instead. Parents also can help their teens by taking a critical look at their community's needs. "You don't have to go very far out of your own life to make a difference," Culbertson says.
Boyers, the parent of two teens ages 18 and 15, has worked to keep them educated about the needs within their California community. Still, she doesn't force them into volunteer work, believing instead that it must be their choice to serve. However, by presenting the opportunity, Boyers, like other parents, is helping to guide her children to make informed decisions.
Local churches and youth service organizations often track volunteer opportunities, and the Youth Service America site offers a zip-code search to find service work at www.SERVEnet.org.
"Parents should be partners with their kids in service," Culbertson says. "Parents can be a real motivation."
It seems most American parents agree.
According to the 2000 Cone/Roper Raising Charitable Children Survey, an overwhelming majority believe parents play a key role in getting children involved. Ninety-six percent of Americans, in fact, think parents' charitable giving and volunteering is a good way to teach children about helping others.
It doesn't take a formal organization to become a volunteer. Everyone can make a difference where they're at. "You don't need an organization to tell you there's too much trash on the playground or that the river needs to be cleaned up," Culbertson says.