Teens and Volunteer Work

» Mugwump53 - Community Service

Great article on the value of true volunteer work. It is lost on so many people.

I work at a school that has mandatory community service, which is not an oxymoron. You are absolutely correct that volunteer work should not involve pay. Community service should not involve pay, either. I have no problem, however, with it being required for graduation. The students are supposed to learn about citizenship and civic responsibility. Community service is active, hands-on field training for civic responsibility and citizenship, much as a science labs are hands-on learning of a science concept.

In the context of the home, you describe volunteer work perfectly. Your upbringing sounds like it was great, and your family would be valued neighbors anywhere.

I speak of required community service in schools. Many students would never get involved if it were not for such programs. The self-esteem and confidence gained is invaluable, and the message of repsonsiblity to others is vital.

I have always worked in private schools. Many families have two working parents, and the situation is not the one you described in discussing your family. These students need to know that they have an obligation to give back, and such good habits need to be established.

I am not saying that the schools should replace the parents in raising children. Too many people expect that these days. I am saying that civic responsibility is a crucial aspect of education today. Students get more at school than reading and algebra. The school trains citizens, and community service is an important means of teaching civic responsibility, empathy for others, tolerance, and a variety of citizenship skills and attitudes.

I would love to hear your ideas on this. Again, great article on an important subject.

-- posted by Mugwump53

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» Terrie_Bittner - Okay, those are good arguments.

Okay, those are good arguments. Maybe they should simply change the name. I really do like volunteer work to be voluntary and without tangible reward. Civic responsibility is a good name. It could be a part of the civics classes taught in school. Admittedly, I don't find a need for it in the schools myself, since my children have always been involved through our home, church or youth groups. You are right though. Service is not a part of many families today. I always feel sad that schools must do so much of what parents used to do. It is a valuable part of learning, however, and if children aren't getting it at home or at church, I guess it is up to the schools. (But parents should still teach it from home. Otherwise, kids may get the idea it's just one of those things you do in school that don't apply to real life.)

I don't really agree that it has to do with the fact that many homes have two working parents. Two income-or single parent-homes are busy, but service is part of the parenting job and time should be found for it in the same way time is found for anything else. It doesn't have to be time consuming. It can be as simple as picking up groceries for an elderly neighbor, cooking a little extra to give a sick friend or dropping off food at a food bank.

-- posted by Terrie_Bittner

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» Mugwump53 - Agreed

I agree, and in an ideal world, there would be many things school would not have to do that they are doing today. Until the ideal world arrives, is created or is discovered (whatever), my school will continue to require community service.

The state of Florida requires 75 hours of community service during high school in order to qualify for the Bright Futures Academic Scholarship, available to all students. It is even sadder when the state has to perform parental duties. Your kids are very lucky indeed.

-- posted by Mugwump53

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» jeho - Volunteer work

I am an educator and have started a volunteer program for high school students. Students can select this class as an elective and it has proven to be very beneficial to many. It is difficult to describe all that is gained from the program.
Is there any one else out there that has created any program similar to this? Would like to hear about it.

-- posted by jeho

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