High School Volunteerism and Community Service
Finding Ways to Give Back to the Community by Student Organizations
Dec 30, 2008
In recent years there has been an increasing trend in volunteerism and community service projects in American high schools. Part of this increase may be due to college-bound students seeking to fill their high school resumes with many non-academic activities and community service is noted by college admissions personnel. Additionally, some high schools mandate a certain number of community service hours for graduation. This is a particular trend among non-public schools that wish to dispel notions of elitism or, in the case of religious schools, follow a program that forces students to put into action the mission statements of their institutions.
Intrinsic Value of Community Service
President John F. Kennedy gave American youth a tremendous opportunity to spread the fruits of American prosperity through the establishment of the Peace Corps. Still an inspiring program that attracts thousands, the Peace Corps may have been the first major challenge to American students to give to those that have the least.
The Peace Corps was followed by a number of similar programs in the next decades that gave American students the opportunity to give of their time and talents in some of Americas most poverty ridden regions such as Appalachia. In the late 80s, President George H. Bush referred to the “thousand points of light” in the United States while decades later his son, President George W. Bush launched a “faith based” initiative designed to combat poverty and need.
Filtering down to the high school level, selfless community service has become a hallmark of student volunteerism. Colleges look for it on application documents and high schools frequently mandate specific service hours for graduation. Some high schools even recognize community service with awards. Whether working in soup kitchens, helping facilitate Special Olympics, or building a Habitat House, high school students today have many opportunities to serve.
Types of Community Service
With difficult economic times, rising unemployment and homelessness, opportunities for community service are abundant. High school student clubs and organizations can team with local organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army to collect food, clothing, and other necessities. On going charities like the March of Dimes or UNICEF also benefit from high school drives. One new major area of high school attention over the last few years has been the “invisible children” of Darfur.
Bread for the World is another organization that lends itself to high school action. World hunger, the need for clean drinking water, and adequate housing are all areas high school students can address through fund raising projects.
Incentives versus Egalitarianism
Unfortunately, too many students participate in community service and outreach programs for the wrong reasons. Some will argue that the ends justify the means. However, if participation in community service is to be meaningful and lasting, proper ethical training should accompany such efforts.
Educators argue that students will not participate without appropriate incentives. This is unfortunate but parallels society in general. Few people give charitable gifts unless they can use them as tax deductions. Offering students incentives for volunteerism or giving inculcates these future lessons of charitable incentives. As difficult as it may be, incentives should be tempered with sound educational dictums that stress selfless giving.
Every Club a Giving Tree
Every high school club or organization should be tied to some aspect of volunteerism or giving. Given the ever growing community needs and growing poverty, such guidelines teach students valuable lessons. At a time when “ethics education” is being stressed and values-based education is a growing trend, egalitarian student responses make much sense if facilitated for the right reasons.
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