Calling All Teens!
This summer vacation, in between work and play, step forward by volunteering for an environmental organization.
“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” — Lily Tomlin
Today, more teens than ever before are volunteering their time to make a difference in their communities, and their world. Teens who volunteer with environmental organizations reconnect with nature, increase their knowledge of the world’s environmental dynamics and gain hope that the solutions to the today’s environmental problems are within their grasp. Volunteering gives teens an opportunity to shape their communities and their world, and to receive the satisfaction of making a difference.
Volunteer experiences during the teen years raise the probability of continued volunteerism as an adult. Volunteering provides positive experiences for youth, benefits society and establishes a foundation for lifelong civic responsibility and activism.
Teens report that by volunteering they learn how to solve community problems; understand more about good citizenship; and realize that they can make a positive impact. Volunteering also prepares young people for the workplace, and provides valuable entries for a budding resume.
About one-third of the nation’s schools are incorporating service experiences into their curriculums. Many teens can fulfill their school’s requirement for community service hours, or gain extra credit in their science classes through summer environmental volunteer activities. Be sure to keep a log of your hours and activities to have a record for the fall.
There are plenty of environmental organizations and resource centers ready to help teens find volunteer opportunities this summer.
Roots and Shoots is a program that encourages young people to volunteer in their communities to help preserve animals and their natural habitats. This organization was founded in 1991 by Jane Goodall, who is known for her study of chimpanzees in the wilds of Tanzania, East Africa. Today Roots and Shoots has more than 8,000 groups in nearly 100 countries. The Sequoia Park Zoo Roots and Shoots program, in California, has helped plant 564 trees so far this year, with the goal of planting 1,000 trees by the end of the year.
Youth Service America, founded in 1986, is an international nonprofit resource center that partners with thousands of organizations in more than 100 countries to expand the impact of youth service. YSA’s goal is to make service a common experience for every young person in America. The Youth Service America website features a zip-code search to find service work.
Most State Parks offer volunteer programs ranging from educational programs to trail construction and park maintenance. Contact a state park near you and see what options are available this summer. Use this handy directory at the State Parks website.
Environmental Organizations, such as The Sierra Club, and Save Our Environment encourage volunteer support to help with a myriad of environmental activities. You can help by lobbying online for conservation issues, writing letters to your representatives or local newspapers, by leading hikes or clean-up activities, or by pitching in at a local chapter office. Contact the local office of an environmental organization near you, to see what programs are available. Also, check out ecology.com’s “Get Involved“Â list for online activism opportunities.
Keep in mind that it doesn’t take guidance from a formal organization to become an environmental volunteer. If you see an environmental problem in your neighborhood, spot an opportunity to start a community garden, or see that there’s trash in the park, all you need is a little motivation, and perhaps some help from friends or family, to make a big difference this summer.
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