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Print an activity report and send in your hours!
What Is VolunTEENS?
VolunTEENS is a program for teens/students ages 13 -19 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 did, there is still one thing you get: Satisfaction for the good and wonderful deed(s) you did for others and your community. Even though most 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 some 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 online 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 call, email, 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?
To get started with the VolunTEENS program with the Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo, fill out a VolunTEEN application form. This form is available in the spring. Once you have chosen opportunities from the VolunTEEN Catalog, fill out the application form and return it to the Volunteer Center. You can also apply online. Check this page again in the spring for summer volunteer opportunities for 2009!