“I urge young people to consider public service, whether they do it now by volunteering in their community or prepare for public service as an adult.” 

– John Walters

Summer Youth Volunteer Opportunities

The summer is an exciting time in the Tampa Bay Area because it marks the beginning of many summer youth volunteer programs. Youth programs at Hope 1 Ministries can provide amazing opportunities for the volunteers, young Adults and even elementary age children volunteers. Having the chance to introduce America’s youth to the rewarding experience of serving their community is a great gift and one that we at Hope 1 Ministries celebrate.

Many of the nation’s volunteers are young people. Most youth volunteers do so out of altruism and an interest in making in a difference in the lives of others. Only a small proportion of students reportedly volunteer because of a school requirement.

Volunteering and Civic Life in America, 201

Experiences will vary from one volunteer opportunity to the next, but youth can expect to benefit from a summer spent in service to their community in many ways. Not only will they get the opportunity to observe various career fields first hand through their volunteer assignments, youth volunteers will make new friends and gain skills in leadership, social interaction, problem solving, compassion, time management – many of the important qualities that employers will be seeking from this generation as they enter the workforce.

The greatest reward that Hope 1 Ministries can offer to youth volunteers is the feeling that they have provided worthwhile, caring service to people in their community, and have made a difference in the lives of the families, neighbors and friends we support throughout the world.

 62.6 million Americans volunteered 7.7 billion hours in 2014 — holding an estimated value of $173 billion. Seventeen percent of respondents reported mentoring youth, and 19 percent reported tutoring or teaching young people.

Volunteering and Civic Life in America, 201

Benefits for Youth

• Youth who volunteer are more likely to feel connected to their communities and, do better in school, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior.
• Youth are not only more likely to volunteer if their entire family is involved in the effort, but the shared experience can result in strengthened familial bonds.
• According to a study, students who performed voluntary community service were 19 percent more likely to graduate from college than those who did not.
• Another study found that volunteering was associated with 27 percent higher odds of employment. Download an (PDF, 1 page).
• According to Troppe and Michel, volunteering while young provides lasting effects, including:
  • Two-thirds of the 44 percent of adults who volunteered began volunteering while they were young.
  • Adults who volunteered at a young age, regardless of income, donate to and volunteer more at charitable organizations than adults who did not volunteer

If you are interested in becoming a youth Volunteer, Register Today! Ot contact us at hope14me@yahoo.com