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2010 VolunTEENS Section (catalog is now a part of the Volunteer Guidebook)
Print the 2010 VolunTEENS Application
Print an activity report and send in your hours
What Is VolunTEENS?
VolunTEENS is a program for teens/students ages 13 -18 who want to make a difference in their community. Each year hundreds of Kalamazoo County students actively participate in volunteer programs that benefit both charitable causes and the volunteers! As a VolunTEEN you'll have the chance to explore future career opportunities, learn new skills by working in different places, make new friends, learn what the nonprofit organizations in your community do - and why they exist.
Volunteering can also be a good way to fulfill community service/volunteer requirements for school and it will enhance a college or job application by showing that you're willing to give back to your community. Many of us are motivated to help others, but sometimes it's difficult to know where to start. The Volunteer Center's online database makes it easy to find opportunities, but how do you find the volunteer job that will be best suited for you? Click here to take a personality quiz that may help you decide what kind of volunteer job you would like.
How Can I Volunteer?
Before you volunteer for a nonprofit organization, there are a few things you need to know about volunteering. First of all, the definition for volunteer is "one who offers himself or herself to provide a service of his or her own free will."
In other words, a volunteer is someone who signs up with an organization to do a certain project or activity for others in the community, FOR FREE. Although you will not be paid for what you do, there is still one thing you get: Satisfaction from helping others and your community. Even though some of the benefits of volunteering were mentioned, you might still be thinking, "why should I volunteer and get involved in my community?"
Here are a few more great reasons you should volunteer:
You can hang out with one or more friends and help someone at the same time.
You can learn job skills, leadership skills, and gain work experience.
It gives you something positive to do in the summer or with your free time.
You can earn community service/volunteer credits for school, and
You can explore future career options.
Next:
___ Talk with your parents/guardian about your interest in volunteering.
1) Ask for their permission.
2) Make sure that your volunteer time will fit into everyone's schedule.
___ Look through the volunteer opportunities in the VolunTEENS section of the Volunteer Guidebook and find one that looks interesting.
1) Be sure that you qualify for the minimum age requirements.
2) Make plans for transportation to the location.
___ What happens next?
1) You will mail or fax in your application or register online to sign up for the volunteer opportunity.
2) The Volunteer Coordinator at the location you selected will contact you to arrange for you to meet them, complete an orientation/training, and schedule times for you to volunteer. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the volunteer opportunities.
If you need more help finding a volunteer job, contact the Volunteer Center at 269-382-8350 or email us at volunteens@volunteerkalamazoo.org.
Ready to get started?
It's easy to get started with the VolunTEENS program with the Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo! Once you have chosen opportunities from the 2010 VolunTEENS section of the Volunteer Guidebook, fill out the application form and return it to the Volunteer Center at 709-A S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or APPLY ONLINE.