Young People Can Make Their Communities Better Places
Prudential Insurance Companies of America
1 In this fast-paced world, it’s surprising there’s time for you to attend classes, do homework, take part in extracurricular activities, and still manage to relax and have fun with family and friends.
2Yet despite busy schedules, many young people like you are concerned about what’s going on in their neighborhoods and communities, and are looking for ways to get involved. Here are some facts:
In a survey of nearly 1,000 young people commissioned by Prudential, 95 percent of those interviewed said they felt it’s important for people to volunteer.
Almost two-thirds of those respondents said that individual responsibility is the best way to address community problems.
67 percent indicated that they devote some of their time to volunteer activities.
3Why Volunteer? Why are so many students interested in serving their communities? Because they want to:
Make a difference
Develop new skills
Prepare for college
Explore career path
Have fun working with friends
Feel good about themselves
4 Although the efforts of one person may seem small, every act of service can have an important impact on someone … and millions of individual volunteers can create a revolution of sorts. Whatever your reason for volunteering, once involved, it’s easy to get hooked— to “catch the spirit” of community involvement. Volunteering can expand your horizons and become a satisfying, lifelong commitment.
What's Right for Me?
5 You may make an instant decision to volunteer in your community. But don't be hasty in selecting a project or organization. First, take time to think about what problems or issues in your neighborhood or community concern you.
6Then, as you search for the “right” volunteer activity, ask yourself:
How much time do I have to commit?
What talents or skills do I offer?
What do I want to get out of my involvement?
Will I enjoy this type of service?
7 There are many reasons to volunteer. But one should be universal—volunteer for something you can enjoy. Don’t limit your thinking. You may want to volunteer in the structured environment of a large organization, or you may prefer the more informal “family” feeling of a smaller group. Perhaps you want to create your own volunteer activity by engaging your friends or family, or maybe just work alone on a project. When you’ve selected or narrowed your volunteer interests, you may want to talk to your parents, friends, a teacher or club sponsor, a counselor, or someone at your church or synagogue. They might have suggestions on how to go about making it happen. Call organizations and local government offices that offer services to the public. Read your local newspaper. Watch and listen to the television and radio news for ideas. After you’ve made a choice, commit yourself to it. Give it your energy—and adequate time—to determine if it’s a good fit.
Question
You would like to become a volunteer in your community. According to this brochure, all of these are good places to search for volunteer opportunities EXCEPT
Responses
A local newspapers, TV, and radio.local newspapers, TV, and radio.
B parents, friends, and teachers.parents, friends, and teachers.
C local government offices.local government offices.
D national publications.national publications.
1 answer