How can I take part in my community?

Question

I don't know where to start, and if anything, starting small.

I'm in 8th grade and I really think I should start contributing to others with my time and what not

Answer 1

why not start at school?  there has to be plenty of school groups that are involved with the community.  if you are looking for something else try churches, elderly homes, daycare centers, thrift shops, public libraries, etc...  i would think your county government web-site should also have links to other agencies in need of volunteers.  good luck and good for you!

Answer 2

How about tutoring the younger children?  Give them a great start so they can learn to succeed

Answer 3

Ask for an appointment with your school counselor.  He/she would know your community well and should be able to give you some ideas.  

Another way to find volunteer opportunities open to middle and high school students can be found at www.teenadvice.about.com/cs/

volunteering.  

Hope this helps.  It's a great idea to get some experience volunteering at your age when finding a paying job is difficult.

Answer 4

VolunteerMatch, http://www.volunteermatch.org

Idealist, http://www.idealist.org

Change.org, http://www.change.org

CraigsList, http://www.craigslist.com

Network for Good, http://www.networkforgood.org

http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/

ServeNet, http://servenet.org/

Also, contact your local volunteer center; you can find this via the Points of Light Foundation web site,

http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/

There's also this government sponsored site, http://volunteer.gov/gov/ which provides volunteer positions through USA federal land agencies like Fish & Wildlife, Forest Service, National Parks, etc.

Answer 5

Depends on your interests!

Think about something you're passionate about (ex. animals, people, social causes like homeless folks or food kitchens) and contact those organizations directly about volunteering.

Most organization's have websites, and have differing needs (ex. clerical, fundraising, client out reach, etc.), so you'll need to find out of what you're offering has a place for you.

Good luck!