University of Wisconsin - Extension

"Volunteers often are the driving force in communities -- the people who make things happen and bring about positive change," said Linda Kustka, University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H youth development specialist.

The time volunteers contribute is valuable, too. Independent Sector, a national nonprofit organization that promotes volunteerism, estimated the dollar value of volunteer time in 1999 was $14.83. The figure was based on the average hourly wage for nonagricultural workers as reported in the "Economic Report of the President (2000)" and adding 12 percent for estimated fringe benefits.

With National Volunteer Week coming up April 22 - 28, Kustka said youth are often an overlooked volunteer resource for communities.

Independent Sector's research found that about 55 percent of Americans volunteer their time in their communities each year. But almost 90 percent of Americans say "yes" when they are asked to volunteer. Young people frequently offer community service as part of volunteer activities through their schools, faith communities or youth organizations such as 4-H, but are rarely asked to participate in other volunteer activities.

"Young people often are overlooked as potential resources," Kustka said. "We may see them active in school activities or youth clubs. But we overlook the benefits they can bring to volunteer organizations."

Kustka said teens bring enthusiasm, creativity and a different, often fresh, perspective to projects. They also may be available at times when adults aren't able to volunteer as much, like during summer months.

"Involving youth today also helps ensure that your community has an active pool of volunteers tomorrow," Kustka said.

In a Gallup poll, 60 percent of adult volunteers reported they once belonged to a volunteer youth group. Among those who did not volunteer when they were young, only 29 percent volunteer as adults.

"If we involve young people early, they can be that much more experienced and knowledgeable about volunteer work as adults," Kustka said. "And by involving young people in adult volunteer experiences, we help them gain leadership and organizational skills, ideas about future careers and a sense of satisfaction from being a meaningful member of the community."

Kustka has these tips for successfully involving young people in adult organizations:

* Try to recruit youth from their perspective. Explain to young people what they can gain from the experience and why you need their help.

* Encourage other young people to recruit new members for your group. Teens and preteens are more likely to listen to their peers.

* Involve more than one "token" youth. Young people are more likely to feel at ease and volunteer to participate when they aren't outnumbered and when they believe adults value their input.

* Consider their previous experience. If this is a new activity for them, they may need support. But giving teens responsibility shows that adults take them seriously.

* Choose meeting and activity times when young people can attend. For instance, avoid weekday meetings when teens are in school.

"If young people can be involved in the planning process, choose their own roles and make decisions about how they proceed, they will be more enthusiastic and effective in helping your organization," Kustka said.