Encouraging Young People to Get Involved in Their Communities

Let's Do This

"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love."  -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As caring adults, we can encourage young people to support causes they care about to make an impact right in their own community.  Check out these tips for instilling the importance of getting involved and giving back:

• Be a role model: How do you support your community?  Why do you feel it's important to give back?  Share more with your young people about the causes you care about and how you support them.
• Find something fun and easy: Getting involved doesn't need to be a huge, grand effort.  Start small.  Maybe it's helping your local library organize used books or volunteering for an hour at a local animal shelter.  
• Schedule time: Make volunteering part of your schedule!  Blocking off time and knowing that you and your young people have a standing volunteer opportunity gives everyone something to look forward to!
• Enlist friends: As you get going, ask your young people how they can enlist their friends to get involved.  

Stay Inspired

Check out this PBS Kids article for more ideas on how to get kids involved with volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood!