TeenHealthFX - Answers - December 2008: Volunteer Options For Teens

Resource Of The Month / Question
Published: June 29, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Could volunteering be good for me, and where can a teen go to learn about volunteering options?

Signed: December 2008: Volunteer Options For Teens

Dear December 2008: Volunteer Options For Teens,

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate and enjoy the company of friends and family. But it is also a time to remember all of those in need – and to appreciate all of the benefits that charity work offers for the people we help and for ourselves.

Studies have shown that teens who volunteer their services for various charities are significantly less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. Plus, volunteer work is a wonderful way to build character and create awareness about the community and the needs of others. In addition, teens who do volunteer work with their families have a wonderful opportunity to do good things for others and simultaneously have quality time with loved ones. Finally, volunteer work can be very empowering because it shows how one person can make a difference and bring about change.

The trick to sticking with volunteer work is to find a cause you feel passionate about. There are various websites that help to match teens and families to the causes that particularly interest them. To find organizations that are of interest to you, check out some of the following websites:

Signed: TeenHealthFX