(NC) Community service hours are an important and mandatory part of high school graduation requirements in many school boards. Although some kids can find community service hours independently, as a parent you have a unique opportunity to use this requirement to start talking to your child about their future and help them discover what is of interest to them.
Here are some ideas you can suggest to help them find enjoyment and meaning in their service:
Putting the fun in fundraisers
Is your teen passionate about a particular social justice issue? See if they can volunteer for the fundraising committee of a nonprofit organization that they feel strongly about, such as an environmental or charitable initiative. Many organizations are always looking for people to cold call and ask for donations as well.
Putting skills to good use
Does your teen have a home economic skill they enjoy, such as knitting or sewing? Many hospitals and shelters actively try to recruit volunteers to knit blankets for patients or hats for preemie babies. Perhaps they enjoy baking and can make some treats for a womens shelter or volunteer in a soup kitchen.
Having a pawesome time
If your teen has a deep love for pets, volunteering at an animal shelter or vet clinic to help take care of cats and dogs can be incredibly rewarding. Many high school students who go on to become vets and doctors find their footing by doing volunteer work at animal shelters, clinics and animal hospitals.
Crafting for a cause
Does your teen have a crafty thumb? Many hospitals, hospices and senior care homes often look for volunteers to make cards for individuals, supervise an arts and crafts session with patients or even photograph special events. Have your teen reach out and see where they can volunteer their talents.
Loving digital literacy
Have a really tech-savvy teen? ABC Life Literacy Canadas Youth Teaching Adults is an incredible digital literacy program, where high school students are paired with adults to bridge the technology gap and help them thrive in the digital world.
Your teen can help adults and seniors learn life-changing skills for computers and smartphones, teaching them how to email, send pictures, FaceTime and Zoom with their loved ones. Learn more at youthteachingadults.ca.
