Getting your teen to do her homework or clean his room is hard enough. So how in the heck are you supposed to get them to volunteer?
For most of my life I’ve been a pathetic slacker, but recently I committed to being a volunteer in a big way with the Trauma Intervention Program (tiporangecounty.org). Perhaps I’m trying to make up for years of being a self-absorbed, self-centered twit.
While raising my two children, I made some effort to get them to volunteer, too. They ended up volunteering at aid stations during marathons, dispensing snacks and drinks to trail runners, and they also fostered kittens for a bit.
Forcing teens to volunteer won’t work. Helping them tap into what they are passionate about will. (Social media has greatly increased awareness of issues that may interest your teen). Having your children see you volunteer will make it much more likely that they, too, will do some good for the world.
“Developing a sense of empathy and compassion in our children is one of the ‘holy grails’ of parenting,” says Shelley M. Hoss, president of the Orange County Community Foundation, a Newport Beach-based nonprofit that collaborates with individuals, families and businesses to match their charitable interests with the needs of the community.
“Many of us are concerned about the potential impact of growing up in an affluent county, within an affluent state, inside an affluent nation,” Hoss says. “Giving teenagers, in particular, the opportunity for hands-on experiences that introduce them to the needs of our community, and getting them engaged in offering meaningful help, can inspire a lifetime commitment to giving back.”
A handful of teen-friendly volunteer opportunities, including nonprofit community service organizations formed to provide volunteer opportunities for teens, such as the National Charity League (nationalcharityleague.org) for women and their daughters in grades seven through 12, and Lion’s Heart (lionsheartservice.org), for sixth- through 12th-grade boys and girls.
For other opportunities, visit OneOC’s website (oneoc.org) and search for teen/youth volunteer opportunities. And don’t forget Global Youth Service Day (gysd.org) April 15-17
TEEN VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Acacia Adult Day Services: Volunteer opportunities include helping with activities for frail, elderly or disabled adults, people with Alzheimer’s and developmental disabilities. Volunteers also serve meals and talk with elderly people on a one-on-one basis. To volunteer on a regular basis, the volunteer would have to go through the application process and complete a TB test. There is no minimum age, but depending on the age of your teen, adult supervision may be required.
Debbie Kaiser, 714.530.1566, or twhite@acacia-services.org :: acacia-services.org
Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter: Adult supervision is required unless 16 and older. Volunteer opportunities include youth outreach, the annual Memory Walk, office administration and development. High school groups are accepted. There is no minimum time commitment.
Brent Deines, 949.955.9000 or bdeines@alz.org :: alz.org/oc/
Environmental Nature Center: For kids who love the outdoors, there are lots of volunteer opportunities at the ENC in Costa Mesa, including Leaders in Training, which lets high school students help with nature camps during school breaks, organize the spring faire, assist in keeping up the grounds and prepare programs. Children under 14 are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
949.645.8489 :: encenter.org
GOALS (Growth Opportunities through Athletics, Learning & Service): The Goals Cadets program combines elements of education, personal fitness, job training and community service. The program is open to Goals participants in junior high and high school who are able to volunteer 40 hours during the summer months.
714.956.4625 or info@goals.org :: goals.org
Jessie Rees Foundation: There are countless opportunities to get involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation, whose mission is to ensure every child fighting cancer has the support and resources to never give up. The foundation, named for a 12-year-old girl who died of brain cancer, focuses on care as opposed to finding a cure. Volunteer opportunities include stuffing JoyJars and helping to organize a spring gala and NEGU Gold Classic in the fall.
info@jessie.org or 888.648.6348 :: negu.org
Ocean Institute: There are a host of opportunities for teen volunteers who love the ocean and all things related to the sea. This institution at Dana Point Harbor offers administrative support, helping on the research vessel, working information booths and husbandry. In most cases, volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
volunteers@ocean-institute.org :: ocean-institute.org
Orange County Family Justice Center: The center in Anaheim provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and elder/dependent adult abuse. Opportunities include administrative support, case management, interpreting and special projects. Volunteers are asked to commit a few days each month and must pass a background investigation conducted by the Anaheim Police Department.
Elia Renteria, erenteria@anaheim.net or
714.765.1627 :: orangecountyfamilyjusticecenter.org
Pretend City Children’s Museum: This child-size interconnected city, where children assume various real-world roles through interactive exhibits and activities, offers volunteer opportunities for children 12 and older. Teens can help support staff with a birthday party and assist with administrative tasks. 949.428.3900 or
info@pretendcity.org :: pretendcity.org
The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding: For teens 14 and older who love horses, the Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano is ideal. Horse-riding-lesson volunteers work directly with instructors, therapists and staff members, providing assistance before, during and after a rider’s lesson.
Christina Cragun, 949.240.8441 :: sheacenter.org
Team Kids: Team Kids invites middle and high school students from all over Orange County to participate in its Youth Council, a service group independent of schools that continues Team Kids Challenge objectives. Adult coaches train, mentor and support Youth Council members as they assess community needs, plan youth-driven service projects, and engage others in their passion for community service.
949.861.4887 :: teamkids.org
