Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Benefits Abound In Volunteerism

Democracy in America was built by volunteers, those who wrote the laws and those who helped neighbors build cabins and harvest crops. When needs arose the community rallied to help.

Volunteerism is part of our heritage and recognized by the rest of the world. Yet there has been concern that our generation has not sufficiently demonstrated service to others so that the next generation will pick up the torch. There seems to be more apathy.

Service to one's community, though, is part of being a good citizen and certainly provides opportunities to learn the needs and resources available within one's community. Involving youth in service can and should be a win-win situation for everyone.

There are benefits of community service learning for youth, for the organizations that use them and for parents, according to Beverly Hines, 4-H and youth development specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas. Youth may learn:

how to better apply knowledge from school subject matter to the real world,

enhanced personal development, such as self-esteem, social skills, communication skills and problem-solving abilities, as well as concern for others,

team building and character-building skills,

how to make an easier integration into the community,

a sense of security and empowerment to become active citizens,

an appreciation of diversity,

a better understanding of the adult work environment, and

ways to make positive choices in use of leisure time.

In addition to benefits that accrue to the young person who volunteers his or her time and talents to service in the community, organizations may see:

a gain in positive visibility and exposure in the community,

increased inter-generational experiences,

youth bringing a sense of vitality and excitement to the organization,

new opportunities for funding and other resources, and

a sense that they are helping nurture and next generation of devoted volunteers.

As a result of the experiences their child is having through working in the community, parents may see:

increased maturity in their child,

increased respect from their child,

the child's better understanding of the adult work environment,

a safe and supervised environment for their child, and

reasons to brag on their child.

With meaningful community service projects, everyone gains from this experience. This summer encourage the young person in your family to contribute to the community through volunteerism.

For more information on community development contact the Clark County Extension office, 501 Clay Street in Arkadelphia.