Volunteerism

VolunteerismWhy should you help?{The focus of this lesson is why students should volunteer. The slides outline different reasons to volunteer through photos. Advisors should discuss the images as they are shown and discuss the need for volunteers. Show the video clip as an introduction. It is 1 minute.

1My American Story Video

Video is imbedded. Click on black part to play.2To help those affected by disasters try to rebuild their livesWhy Volunteer?

Slide 2: To help those affected by disasters try to rebuild their lives. Images:Joplin, MO tornadosThe results of a HurricaneForest FiresFlooding

3To help those who are less fortunate improve their livesWhy Volunteer?

Slide 3: To help those who are less fortunate improve their situationsImages:HomelessnessHabitat for HumanityFood BankSoup Kitchen

4To help those who are lonely or weak find comfort and companionshipWhy Volunteer?

Slide 4: To help those who are lonely or weak find comfort and companionshipImages:Volunteering with the elderlyAnimal organizationsBig Brothers/Big SistersCare packages & Letters for the military

5To help your community Why Volunteer?

Slide 5: To help your community Images:Graffiti cleanup Picking up litter on the roadsideCommunity garden volunteersReading to children6To help yourself:Increase job and communication skillsDiscover your hidden, untapped skills and explore careersLearn something newBuild your resume or college applicationDo something you enjoy that makes you feel good Prepare for your senior projectMake an impact

Instead of considering volunteering as something you do for people who are not as fortunate as yourself, begin to think of it as an exchange.

Why Volunteer?

http://www.serviceleader.org

Slide 6: To help yourself Advisor should stress point out that its not wrong to have personal reason for volunteering. It doesnt mean you are selfish. There are numerous benefits to being a volunteer. Increase job and communication skills: Working with others, utilizing organizational skills, being responsibleDiscover what you are good at and explore careers: want to be a vet, volunteer at an animal shelter. Interested in the medical field, become a hospital or nursing home volunteerLearn something new: Learn to garden or work on construction projectsBuild your resume or college application: show others that you are reliable and want to make the world a better placeDo something you enjoy and feel good about: Work with something that is important to you. Do you know someone affected by Cancer, diabetes, etc.?Prepare for your senior project: Part of the project is completing a product. Make your product count. Make an impact: Help change a life, community, or country

http://www.serviceleader.org

7Things to consider when choosing a causeWhat interests you?What is important to you?What is most deserving of your time?What works with your schedule?What fits your career goals?What would you most like to learn?What dont you want to do?What training do you need?What is available in your community?

How to VolunteerSlide 7: How to VolunteerAdvisor should go over the questions to consider when choosing a volunteer opportunity. Discuss why these are important questions to answer before committing to a volunteer opportunity. Questions:What interests you? What is important to you?What is most deserving of your time?What works with your schedule?What fits your career goals?What would you most like to learn?What dont you want to do?What training do you need?What is available in your community?

8Research possible volunteer opportunities in your area.Internet Sources:http://www.serve.govhttp://www.volunteermatch.orghttp://www.volunteer.gov

How to VolunteerSlide 8: Offer students sources for finding volunteer opportunities. You can click the links above and show students what is available on the sites. 9Call local agencies and ask if they are looking for volunteers.

Cherokee Thanksgivingserves and delivers meals to more than 1,900 families in Cherokee and Pickens counties.

Bethesda Community Clinichttp://bethesdacommunityclinic.org/volunteer-opportunities/

YMCA Canton(770) 345-9622

Habitat for Humanitywww.habitat.org

Must Ministries Cantonwww.mustministries.org

Meals on Wheels Canton770-345-2675How to VolunteerSlide 9: Advisors should go over the local volunteer opportunities listed. 10Get involved at School!Listen for upcoming announcements for toy, food, coat, and clothing drives to help during the holiday season. Join a service club: Environmental Action Club, SGA, Red Cross Club, Student Mentors, Elves, etc.

IF YOU CANT FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE, START YOUR OWN PROJECT.Toolkits are available at http://www.serve.gov/toolkits.asp

How to VolunteerSlide 10: Advisors should go over the different volunteer opportunities provided through the school. Also, explain that there are also opportunities for students to create their own volunteer projects. 11SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES! Scholarships!!!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$http://www.serve.govhttp://www.volunteermatch.orghttp://www.volunteer.govhttp://www.serviceleader.org

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