Beyond being involved in policymaking and government in general, it is also very important for people to take the opportunity to volunteer in their communities. It is always beneficial for a citizen to give something back to the community, and generally people find it very fulfilling and educational. Get your students started young by finding simple ways to get connected.

Where to Offer a Helping Hand

Where do you go to find an organization that can use your help? Who will take on young kids? It's different in every community, but there is always a way to help out. Here are some resources to help you find ways to get involved in volunteering:

Check out your Yellow Pages or the Internet and look for local environmental organizations, conservation or wildlife refuges, parks, or anything else you want to get involved in. Even if the organization doesn't have something set up already, maybe you can work with them to create an opportunity for your students.

There is always someone looking for free help, even if they don't know that they could use students. You may find an organization suited for working with your students or you may need to get creative. You may want to volunteer as a class at one location or you may want to have it be a homework assignment. No matter how you do it, just do it!

What to Do, What to Do

Many organizations might wonder what a bunch of kids can do. Well, they can do a lot. Here are some ideas of kid skills that you can offer to an organization:

Getting creative is one of the themes of this book! Kids have a lot of potential. Give them the knowledge. Give them the courage. Give them the opportunity. They will knock your socks off and create a better future for everyone!