Tips and Tools for Organizations

Youth volunteers are an untapped resource with a wealth of energy and bright ideas that energize any organization. And here in New York City, home of the largest school system in the nation, there are thousands of young people with something to give.

1. Why Use Youth Volunteers?
2. 20 Tips for Finding (and Keeping) Youth Volunteers

1. Why Use Youth Volunteers?

• They are ready, willing and able to lend a hand!
  • In 2005, 55% of people in the United States between the ages of 12 and 18 engaged in volunteer activities (15.5 million youth), which is almost twice the rate of adult volunteering (29%). (CNCS/U.S. Census Bureau/Independent Sector 2005)
• They can save your organization money!
  • Teenage service is worth $34.3 billion to the US economy! (Independent Sector/Gallup, 1999 value of service)
• They bring a "can do" spirit!
  • 73% of America's 60 million young people believe they can make a difference in their communities! (Do Something Young People's Involvement Survey /Princeton Survey Research, 1998)
• They are passionate about the work!
  • Only 5% of students say they became involved with their volunteer activity through a school requirement. This dispels the myth that young people volunteer only to meet graduation requirements. (CNCS/U.S. Census Bureau/Independent Sector 2005)
• They are the leaders of tomorrow!
  • Teens say the benefits they received from volunteering include: learning to respect others, learning to be helpful and kind, learning to understand people who are different from them, developing leadership skills, becoming more patient, and forming a better understanding of good citizenship.

2. 20 Tips for Finding (and Keeping) Youth Volunteers?

Studies have shown that this generation of youth are more civic minded than their predecessors. Your organization can become a part of the volunteer revolution. Here are 20 tips for recruiting, managing and recognizing youth volunteers at your organization.

RECRUIT!

1. Work through Kids for Community or other Internet matching services that allow you to market your volunteer opportunity directly to the youth population. Post opportunities on your agency website as well! But be certain to respond promptly to inquiries. Remember, if you post it, they will come.
2. Vary your online positions – if you have time, change the titles and descriptions every few weeks. Keep your site interesting to draw people back.
3. Frame opportunities & issues as relevant to youth. Young people today are more likely to apply if they see the connection to broader issues.
4. Make sure that listings include references to concrete skills that youth volunteers will gain as part of their experience with your organization. Consider what they need to include on a college or scholarship application, or employment application.
5. When conducting outreach, use colorful buzzwords like, fun and innovative to attract greater youth interest.
6. Ensure your organization's mission is clearly articulated in postings and outreach materials.
7. Promote diversity in all forms. Visuals should reflect diversity of age, gender and ethnic background.
8. Feature pictures of young people on your website to encourage them to apply.

MANAGE!

9. Prepare youth through orientation and training. Encourage them to share their examples and perspectives.
10. Accommodate young people with different levels of experience - have instruction models or mentors when needed.
11. Develop work teams to encourage collaboration.
12. Encourage adults to interact with youth and share their knowledge and experience.
13. Train youth team leaders to orient other new volunteers.
14. Create an environment that encourages young people to be fully engaged in the mission of your organization.
15. Provide leadership roles - team & project leaders, or have a Youth Leadership Day!
16. Invite input in the development of projects – look into youth advisory groups such as CFC's Youth Planning Committee for inspiration.

RECOGNIZE!

17. Don't wait for an annual recognition event; recognize the contributions of young people frequently and consistently.
18. Send articles to schools, local papers, or the organization’s newsletter detailing the accomplishments of youth volunteers.
19. Nominate students for community and civic awards.
20. Send letters to parents and schools noting students’ achievements and provide letters of recommendation. If you’re proud of your volunteers, they’ll be proud of themselves.

So why not post your volunteer opportunities today? You will get much more than a "kid" helping out in your organization - you’ll gain a fresh outlook, a valuable worker and future leader.

"At a time when many are worried that the United States is experiencing a general decline in civic and political engagement, volunteering appears particularly strong among today’s young people. While volunteering is just one form of community involvement, research has shown that it is often connected to other forms of engagement, and, among youth, volunteering plays a valuable role in shaping how youth learn to interact with their community and develop the skills, values and sense of empowerment necessary to become active citizens.” (Corporation for National and Community Service/ U.S. Census Bureau/Independent Sector 2005)

Has Kids for Community already brought you and a great volunteer together? Share your story today! E-mail Children for Children at info@childrenforchildren.org.

References
Corporation for National Service (2005). Building Active Citizens: The Role of Social Institutions in Teen Volunteering. Brief 1 in the Youth Helping America Series. Washington, D.C. Downloaded December 1, 2005 at http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/05_1130_LSA_YHA_study.pdf

U.S. Department of Labor (2005). Volunteering in the United States. Washington D.C. Downloaded December 1, 2005: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.toc.htm