Posted 13Aug01
Submitted by Tracey Lintott, University of Western Australia, Undergraduate,
Western Australia, Australia
I am a 19 year old, University student and I have been volunteering
in various organisations since I was 12. I love volunteering, the
rewards are payments in themselves. To see the smile on the face of
a kid who is finishing last in a race because you ran the last 50
(or so) metres with him, or elderly people because they have children
singing to them or peers because finally someone will listen, or a
lost tourist because they now have directions is so awesome.. More
young people need to be made aware of the opportunities that are out
there and many more need to be created...YOUNG PEOPLE LOVE TO HELP...
Age should not be a barrier.
Posted 5/31/00
Submitted by Mary S.
I think that we definitely need to include and recruit young volunteers.
The rewards for our clients, the agency and the volunteers is overwhelming
and also the rewards for the volunteer lasts a lifetime. What better
way to provide them experiences they may never have another chance
to receive. Of course, the design of the type of service and way in
which it is provided must be carefully developed. This decision and
design can be most rewarding and fun.
Posted 5/30/00
Submitted by Lois Kuter, Volunteer Coordinator, Academy of Natural
Sciences, Pennsylvania, PA
I have been the volunteer coordinator at a science museum for 10 years
and we normally have 250-300 volunteers active at any given time in
our museum. Half of these are teens. Our minimum age is 14 and we
have one special area--a hands-on area for children which includes
working with live animals--where we train 13 year olds during the
summer who continue during the school year. Volunteers are asked for
a minimum commitment of one year.
We use teens in areas where there is a staff person on the floor
working with them and where the work is appealing and interesting
to them (besides our hands-on area, they work in our dinosaur exhibit,
butterfly garden and help us care for 100 animals we use in all our
education programs. We have found that teens are just as reliable
as adults. The younger they start, the longer they seem to stay. Nearly
30% of the teens we have had here during the past 5 years (over 600)
have contributed over 100 hours. 60% of those who start at age 13
contribute at least 100 hours during their time here.
Many teens start during the summer--sometimes with class trainings
(mixed with adults or specifically for teens, depending on the area).
They can then continue on a less intensive basis during the school
year when weekends are the only option for scheduling. We also use
a number of home school students, students from schools that release
them during the school day for special projects, and high school interns--juniors
and seniors who work intensively (7 hours a day) during a 3-4 week
period. These are usually seniors or juniors from academically strong
private schools who can be quickly trained.
We use teens because they can do a good job for us, and we need them
(there simply aren't enough adults or college students available in
this area!). We also use teens because their involvement in our museum
programs helps us fulfill our mission "to expand knowledge of nature
through discovery and to inspire stewardship of the environment."
Teens take a lot of attention from staff, but they are worth it and
our volunteer program is also an "education" program where teens learn
valuable life skills as well as science.
Posted 5/29/00
Submitted by Morgan Porter, Virginia Youth Service Council, Richmond,
Virginia
I am a 19-year-old volunteer in the Virginia Youth Service Council.
I started volunteering on my own when I was in high school, but before
that no opportunities came to me as a middle school or an elementary
school student. I only wish they had. Volunteering is a vital part
of becoming a mature member of society. We, as mature adults or young
adults, need to do what we can to allow children to volunteer and
give at their young (and impressionable) age. We shouldn't concern
ourselves with the questions "What will this child give to this effort?"
Instead ask ourselves "What can this volunteering opportunity give
to this child?"
Posted 5/25/00
Submitted by Betty Anton, Director, Volunteer Services, Allentown,
PA
I am the Director of Volunteer Services for a large hospital in Pennsylvania.
We do not allow teens to volunteer until they are age 14. I see a
big difference in the level of maturity of those over 14 with those
under that age. In a healthcare facility, this is important. They
just can't deal with the realities of seeing people in great stress,
pain, trauma, etc. unless they are a bit more mature. That maturity
comes with age. One thing that I really enjoy seeing is the inter-generational
goodwill that exists between our more "seasoned" volunteers and these
young people. It is truly a joy!
Posted 5/23/00
Submitted by Mackey Stanley, Ex. Dir./ Faulkner County ADFY (Drug
Free Youth), Arkansas
I've worked with young volunteers since my daughter was younger, for
approximately 8 years. Now that she's 17 every agency is asking her
to volunteer for them, literally! What so many people don't understand
is that she's as conscientious as she is because she started volunteering
at the age of 10. Now that my son is 11, there are very few organizations
that are willing to give him the chance to "prove" himself. Fortunately
the local library for the blind found a volunteer job just for him
- rewinding and repairing the returned tapes. It's a job tailored
"for the guys" His volunteer manager is extremely pleased with him,
his work, his attitude... The point is that someone has to give these
children a chance. They are the hope for our future and they are the
ones who will still be volunteering 10 and 15 years from now. As with
all of us, they will rise to the expectations we expect from them.
If you expect young people, boys in particular, to behave in a stereotypical
manner, they will only be what you expect them to be.
Posted 5/15/00
Submitted by Eve Sisson, Lee County Parks and Recreation, Florida,
US
We screen young volunteers very carefully, but we have made a place
for them in our program. I too feel the volunteer experience is quite
positive for younger children. We establish a supervisor who will
be with the child at all times. That is usually the parent, who is
also involved in volunteering. A Child Volunteer Participation Waiver
is included with the Child Registration Form. It has worked very well
for our program.
Teen volunteers are also accommodated in our program. I have also
found a lot of inconsistency in their commitment. It limits the number
of volunteer positions I can offer them. But as a Parks and Recreation
Program we often use teens to assist with on-call activities, rather
than a weekly scheduled activity. I would encourage being creative
in allowing young children to volunteer in your programs. It is a
wonderful activity to encourage in kids, and it does wonders for their
self esteem.
Posted 5/12/00
Submitted by Lindajoy Vantrease, Volunteer Coordinator, Redwood Empire
Food Bank, California, USA
I'm not to sure, this is my first time on the Web. I have concerns
about what we can ask young volunteers to do. We are a Food Bank.
We have set the age limit at 14 but will take to age 12 if responsible.
How do we know if they are responsible, they have to work at least
one shift with a parent. Can I send a youth out on a food pick-up
run with a staff member or a older volunteer? What are the liabilities?
How much should I expect from a 13, 14, or 15 year old? I don't know
the guidelines. I hear more and more about the abuse issues and young
volunteers. Do I have to be concerned about staff/other volunteers.
I guess I am looking for answers and I'm not really clear on the questions.
I went to a workshop on Attracting and Retaining Volunteers
today at the Sonoma County Volunteer Center in Santa Rosa, CA this
morning and your name came up. I hope to learn much more. Thank you
for your time.
Posted on 5/4/00
Submitted by Carlene Voss, Volunteer Program Coordinator-Masonic Home,
CA, USA
I work for a large non-profit in California. I am the Volunteer Program
Coordinator. I have found that younger teens are usually not as reliable
as their older counterparts. I especially see this with the boys.
(I don't know why...I just see it in case after case) We're a health
care facility and the young ladies are very respectful and caring
and seem for the most part to be very responible. I would be interested
if anyone else sees this with young men....
Posted on 5/4/00
Submitted by Tracy Alexander, Family Programs Specialist, The High
Desert Museum, Oregon
I supervise a Teen Volunteer Program with about 45 volunteers between
the ages of 12 and 18. While our museum has been developing this program
for more than 10 years, we still have a ways to go to truly involve
these volunteers in the most effective way. We "talk the talk", but
I am determined to get us to the point where we are really "walking
the walk." Fortunately, there are inumerous funding opportunities
out there that support my efforts.
It is important for organizations to know that with structure and
faith, teens can take ownership of their own program and do a great
job. This is how we operate now. Under adult supervision, many of
the kids are "shift managers" and also run the administrative tasks
of the program themselves- they have taken the lead and are proud
of their positions, so they set a great example and make my job a
lot easier! A recent trend toward "community service" has presented
a bit of a challenge. Local school teachers have given class requirements
to serve a small amount of volunteer time in the community, and since
we are a popular place with kids (we have live animals as well as
cultural history exhibits), I am frequently turning away volunteers.
It needs to be understood that providing volunteer opportunities
for teens requires a tremendous amount of training and organization.
Our program starts with a six-week session over the summer with an
option to continue through the school year. Many of our volunteer
positions require more than a day's training, and sometimes at least
two years of experience! So parents and teachers need to understand
that it is not so easy to accomodate each volunteer for a short-term
service (this goes for adult volunteers too).
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Linda Sifri, Volunteer Rep., Puget Sound Blood Center,
Seattle, WA
I just want to share an story about a 10 year old who came to me through
the court system ("he was in the wrong place at the wrong time").
As the volunteer coordinator for a family shelter, I had this young
man come once a week to work with a student his same age. I couldn't
have been more pleased. I know this was an really special individual,
but he continued volunteering for us on a weekly basis for more than
a year. And he did it because he knew he was making a difference.
In his case the only hardship was on his parents transporting him
to and from the site. It might have worked out better for them if
they volunteered with us also, but they let this be his project and
they would make the long drive back and forth to support that.
Also, while working for the homeless shelter I had the opportunity
to work with the local middle school home economics teacher. The school
had a portable on its grounds. The class took it over for their community
clothes closet. The shelter got so many donations of clothing - that
we sent them on to the student, who washed, ironed and repaired the
clothing. They also designed the forms for families to complete to
be included in the program and set the rules. Then they sized and
displayed the clothing in their "store". It was wonderful for our
community and the students loved playing store, with no money involved.
My volunteers helped to supervise the store during the hours it was
open and the teacher was working with other students.
I have dedicated my volunteer coordinating to getting young people
involved. Who will show them about volunteering if not these wonderful
folks who are the backbone of most volunteer programs. We worry about
them aging, but they still have so much to share and are such great
roll models. Thank you for letting me express something I feel very
strongly about.
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by CJ Burnheimer, , Ohio, USA
Everyone at my facility thinks taking in a boy or girl under the age
of 14 is wrong. I disagree. Learning how to give of ones self and
time should start much earlier. We can no longer wait until people
retire from their work life before we recruit them to volunteer. If
we all start out earlier, we can "learn" a life of volunteering and
service to others. Perhaps then we could stop collecting statistics
on teen pregnancy, violence, etc.
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Ellie Slaven, Volunteer Coordinator, California
As a volunteer coordinator for an agency that works with the frail
elderly, I have had many opportunities to work with youth as volunteers.
I find that if the youthful volunteer comes forth on their own as
opposed to fulfilling some sort of community service commitment, that
it is a far better experience for all those involved. The young people
really need to want to be there and not feel that they are obligated.
This is why I have a problem with the schools requiring community
service in order to graduate.
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Sheila Pastore, Volunteer Coordinator, Palo Alto
Art Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
We love youth volunteers. However, municipalities have risk management
restrictions among which is minimum age 15 for volunteers. This works
out very well for recruiting volunteers for the Palo Alto (CA) Art
Center. High School and University service organizations provide volunteers
aged 15 and up. Most of these volunteers are excellent, especially
the young women. (Young men in high school are often less conscientious.)
Volunteers younger than 15 are permitted when they volunteer with
an adult. National Charity League is an organization that brings mothers
and daughters together to volunteer for special projects. They are
organized in many middle and high schools. We find these volunteer
teams to be exceptionally excellent in their commitment and performance
as volunteers.
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Kathi Ellis Manager of Community Relations Public
Radio Partnership Kentucky USA
At Public Radio Partnership in Louisville, KY, I have made a concerted
effort to involve youth volunteers at all levels of the organization.
Given the challenges of younger students not having transportation,
that does to some extent limit their availability.
Twice a year we conduct our Membership Drive during which volunteers
answer phones. I was delighted when one of the regular teen volunteers
decided to recruit the Key Club at her school to answer phones. As
she said "Teens, phones, it's a natural match." She signed up 12 students
to work throughout the day on a Saturday. I went to one of their meetings
to orient them before they arrived. There were a couple of students
who got the time wrong, but arrived eventually--a great lesson for
the teen who'd organized this; she's already figured out how to fix
that next time. All the students had fun; the adult volunteers enjoyed
their energy. And the original teen volunteer supervised them for
part of the day (we use volunteer pledge producers to supervise phone
volunteers.)
She was then asked by the volunteer editor of the volunteer newsletter
to write an article about her group volunteering. I anticipate this
group becoming a "regular" group. And, hopefully, they'll actually
start listening to public radio!
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Paula Podemski, Production Supervisor, Seattle Opera,
Washington USA
I administrate volunteers for the production department of a major
opera company. We use young volunteers onstage as supernumeraries
and children's chorus. However we miss out on interested high schoolers
for our office volunteers because of the "criminal check" factor.
I can't seem to get our Human Resources Director to change her mind
about interns or other office volunteers under the age of 18. It would
mean everyone here (up to 200 people) could be subject to a background
check and she doesn't wish to do that. Any ideas? I am missing out
on some very good music and drama students who want to learn about
the administrative end, due to the "bad apples" of the world.
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Marsha Riddle
I have had the opportunity to have worked with a group, created at
my agency in 1964 called VOLUNTEENS. The structure of the task to
be performed over the years has changed and the type of task that
the teens do is more varied today, however the opportunity has been
available at the agency for 50 teens for 8-10 weeks during the summer
for over 35 years. The structure is essential to success with the
teens.
Every teen has a supervisor and an individualized job description
created to meet specific needs. The teens may select from the variety
of job descriptions. Once the mandatory training has been done, approximately
16 hours, the teens have an opportunity to learn the skills necessary
to be successful at the job. To work cooperatively with an adult with
a common goal and specific outcomes is a change for most youth. They
really enjoy being successful and learning about serving other is
but one of the experiences they have.
Failure to perform or not to do the job assigned results in immediate
counseling, and failure to follow the rules and regulations results
in termination, not by letter or a You just can't come back, but by
honest feedback with involvement of the parent or guardian, teacher
or leader. Everyone knows the programs success is dependent on working
in a real environment with employees and other volunteers who must
set and be examples for the persons served by the program.
Results have been wonderful for us over the years. Our Director
of Staff Development and Training was once a 14 year old volunteer.
Setting standards, having rules and regulations, assuring that everyone
including supervisors have the mandatory training, having individual
supervisors who actually like young people, having job that actually
need to be done and job descriptions that outline all the responsibilities,
nipping problems in the bud.....
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Donna Schumacher, DVS, Virtua Health - Voorhees, New
Jersey, USA
We are currently involved with a school based curriculum program which
incorporates 2 hours of volunteering into the school day of at risk
14-15 year olds. It was quite a challenge at the beginning, but as
we end the first year, we find that the departments to whom these
children have been assigned have mentored and encouraged them to the
point that they are asking these students if they would like to continue
working during the summer.
The children are brought here every school morning by bus, they are
accompanied by 2 teachers and 2 aides. We've learned that with this
group, we must limit the number to 9 and they must be assigned to
a department - can't wander the halls (doing water, ice, etc.) On
the days that they are not here or the number of students is low (sometimes
they are having testing, sometimes out sick), we HEAR from the departments
because the the kids are so missed!!
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Penny S. Deurwaarder, Volunteer Program Manager, Oregon
Veterans' Home, The Dalles, Oregon, USA
We have found ways to use youth volunteers in our facility and we
are so thankful for them. This group ranges from special education
youth, to youth groups, to job shadowing, and community service hours.
The youth provide a special type of human interaction for our residents
that other volunteers do not provide. They inspire the residents with
their youthful energy and their lust for life.
We have developed a specific orientation for our youth volunteers
that is much simpler than the regular orientation. The commitment
that the youth volunteers (some as young as 7 & 8) have shown is sometimes
stronger than adults. Our youth volunteers have developed a solid
relationship with our residents and both sides look forward to the
time they spend at the facility. It may not always be easy dealing
with the paperwork and training for the youth volunteers, but we must
continue to teach our young people the importance of volunteering
within their communities, or someday we will run out of committed
adult volunteers.
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Anthea Hoare, Co-ordinator, Volunteer Resources, Allendale,
Ontario, Canada
I have been lucky enough to have a group of middle school kids come
every week to help out with our major Thursday afternoon event. These
kids are 9-12 ish, and four of them come regularly to help our elderly
and wheelchair bound residents to attend the various functions. This
is done in cooperation with the school who designates a teacher to
be responsible for the program, and who organizes the students to
come on a roster basis. I or a senior volunteer do the pick-up/drop
off before and after the program.
I strongly believe that young people who get a good experience at
this point will become firm and hooked volunteers for the rest of
their lives. However, there are some things to remember. The younger
they are the more guidance and support they need. You cannot expect
9 and 10 year olds to be self starters - yes the odd one is, but most
need help. Given that help they become wonderful helpers themselves.
There need to be very clear delineations on what they may and may
not do, and the rules need to be strictly enforced. It is also very
easy for parents to use you as a baby sitting service, and I for one
do not intend to become that.
I set clear time limits on when the volunteers are to be here, and
insist that the parents are aware. Many of the young people who helped
us over the summer program last year are still volunteering once or
twice a week, in the evenings after school. They have enormous amounts
of energy, tremendous enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Yes they
go over the top some times, but tell them firmly why that is not acceptable
behavior and what the consequences to others might be, as well as
to themselves, and they are usually quick to learn and to cooperate.
Not only that, but I have found that they tend to police themselves
and control each other.
They have some great ideas too, some of which can make a difference
in how we do things - if we listen to what they have to say. The important
thing is to channel the energy and the enthusiasm to be productive.
I love the kids that help here - they make a huge difference in the
lives of the elderly residents
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Marion Clark, Director of Shared Ministry, St. Bartholomew
Churc, Wayzata, MN
I believe it is very important to find ways to involve young people
as volunteers. When channeled in the right way they bring energy,
enthusiasm and are hard workers. The key to success with young people
is to find the right volunteer opportunity and training the adult
supervisor. I have found that if young people volunteer as a group
than it is very important for agencies to first work with the adult
who will be supervising them.
For a successful experience the adult supervisor needs to understand
what the young people can expect from the job and what is expected
of them. Also, they are need to understand their role as supervisor,
which is primarily to coach the young people.
Finally, before young people begin their volunteering, they need
an opportunity to be educated about the service agency, its mission,
how they will make a difference and who they will be serving. They
also need an opportunity to express their concerns, fears and questions.
I believe the volunteer jobs we offer young people need to be worthwhile,
not just busy work or the jobs no one else will do. Young people want
to make a difference!
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Debbie Woods, Outreach International, Missouri - USA
I have always thought that school districts on the senior and junior
high level should make a specified number of hours of volunteer service
a requirement for graduation. As a youth leader in my church family,
I have witnessed the gratification and growth that has taken place
in kids as they serve others. I believe we should take every opportunity
to provide this type of experience for our youth. If that means jumping
a few hurdles to work out all of the issues, then I believe it is
well worth the effort.
Posted 5/4/00
Submitted by Ada Nanning , Hull Child and Family Services,
Philosophically, the idea of providing volunteer opportunities for
youth is a positive one...For at risk youth - volunteering can enhance
self-esteem, build positive community connections and provide career
alternatives. A Key question: Who takes responsibility for managing/
arranging their involvement? I've noticed more initiatives lately
where government is supporting youth volunteering...
Posted 5/3/00
Submitted by Sandie Cunningham, Volunteer Coordinator, NJ, USA
I am a V.C. with a hospice and we utilize young teens for various
activities at patients' homes; yard work, cleaning, painting, creating
memory books and videos. Also young teens can bake cookies at home,
seek donations and create gift baskets of goodies or bath supplies.
There is a whole world of activities youth can perform. Also, I have
been able to create an orientation program for youth which takes 3
1/2 hours vs the 20 hour orientation given to adults. It can be done!
Posted 5/3/00
Submitted by Andrea Cohen, Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, Ontario,
Canada
Unfortunately,we found that teens under 16 were not responsible and
reliable when required to commit to specific days and times for a
volunteer placement. We now have teens 16-19 years of age, but find
that their priorities are understandably, school and paid employment.
In a Hospital setting, commitment is required as staff require continuity
while they try to keep up to a hectic pace. When we did have a younger
teen (13-15) we found that many times it was the parents' agenda and
the students had not bought into the commitment. The outcome was that
rather than performing the tasks outlined in their specific Position
Description they tended to socialize with one another or just fade
away.
There were always those that were extremely willing to comply and
these students did make excellent volunteers. However, they were not
in the majority. We now try to accommodate students looking to pursue
a career in the Health Care Field and find that they are willing to
undertake the responsibility as it meets their needs as well as those
of the Hospital. In terms of elementary school children volunteering,
a Hospital setting is not conducive to their involvement because the
acuity level of our patients has increased dramatically.
Posted 5/3/00
Submitted by Debbie Lanceri, CFC, New York
I have always encouraged my children to volunteer with me. I think
it should be brought into the elementary schools to some extent. Instead
of waiting until they are seniors and need hours to graduate. My children
are 12, 9, 8, & 5 and they volunteer with five major organizations
in our area.
Posted 5/2/00
Submitted by Karen Dany, Region 1 Volunteer Manager, Florida Dept.
of Health, Pensacola, Florida, USA
Susan has addressed an area being dealt with within our Pensacola's
Promise branch of America's Promise. As a volunteer coordinator involving
health care, there really is no place for the young volunteer. My
son wanted to do Job Shadowing Day in healthcare, and he was denied
a place to go. He is a 7th grader who wants to be a physician. He
was quite discouraged. I'm torn between the professional and personal
arena over this issue. I'm open to other suggestions by others responding
to this hot topic.
Posted 5/2/00
Submitted by Sally Pfeiffer, Volunteer Team Leader, COSI Columbus,
Ohio, USA
For the past two years, I have worked primarily with volunteers in
the 13-18 year-old age range. There is absolutely no substitute for
the dynamic energy that these young people bring into a program. While
there are some limitations - usually they cannot drive themselves
to their service site - we should never sell short the capacity of
young people for creative and productive work. As with all age ranges,
there are some qualities of teenagers that are generally regarded
as weaknesses that we, as volunteer administrators, should refocus
on as strengths. For example, the tendency of teens to speak their
minds can either be a headache or a source of new ideas. Seeing teens
as resources for reaching out to the community at new levels enhances
the diversity of our organizations.
Posted 5/1/00
Submitted by Lucas Meijs, The Netherlands
This month's topic is again an example of how difficult it is to integrate
other groups into an existing volunteer work force. Susan describes
what happens with nontraditional groups that want to volunteer. Indeed
there are new and other practical problems. Also there is a need for
creativity to make meaningful volunteer opportunities. But there is
just also this problem of being afraid of other groups. So involving
these young volunteers is part of diversity management.
The USA experience is again very insightful for the Netherlands.
At this moment, service learning etc for a bit older groups is just
introduced as an idea. It would be nice to be able to learn from the
USA. On the other hand, pre-teen and young volunteering is already
common in many of the large Dutch membership organizations such as
scouting and various sport organizations. Within Scouting Netherlands,
junior members get increasing responsibilities in organizing their
own groups (which by the way are run by 17 to 25 year old volunteers
and NOT parents). Within some sport associations young kids can get
certificates to show how good they are in a certain sport (e.g. field
hockey) which they can only get if they also have volunteered for
their own (membership) sport association.
