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The Bridge:
On Teen Volunteerism
by Tom Thomas
Being a teenager has never been easy. I think it’s gotten harder for
every generation since World War II. Maybe we can blame it on video games
or rock ‘n’ roll or MTV or maybe I should back up and explain teen angst.
Try to remember (if you can or want to) what those awkward years between 12
and 20 were like for us. Our bodies were changing daily; acne, growing
pains, a seeming lack of coordination while we adjusted to our new bodies,
puberty, and powerful …urges were just some of the physical challenges we
had to deal with. Compounding these challenges were peer pressure and the
inexplicable desire to rebel against our elders (and authority in general).
Most of today’s teens pay taxes but can’t vote, they are required by
law to go to school, but they can’t drive a car, they can’t smoke or drink
(not that I would advocate either of those last two, but teens don’t even
have the right to make that choice for themselves yet), they’re not allowed
to see certain movies or buy certain magazines. Most teens can’t even make
a phone call or go to the bathroom or hang out with their friends without
permission from a parent or teacher. Teens are told by their parents,
teachers, priests and other authority figures to just say “no” to “bad”
things while advertisers (although many of them deny it) and so-called
friends are telling them to say “yes” (or at least give it a try).
Maybe before the 1950’s, teens felt more like a part of their
community, either because they were helping out with household chores,
working on the farm, contributing to the war effort, or some other
Norman-Rockwell cliché. Maybe they were more obedient, like in “Leave
It To Beaver” or “The Andy Griffith Show.” Maybe rock ‘n’ roll, comic
books, video games, action movies and MTV have turned our kids into
psychopathic narcissists, or some other at-risk-youth cliché.
With all the news stories and studies about what’s wrong with today’s
youth, we tend to forget that the teen years are the bridge between
childhood and adulthood. While they must walk that bridge themselves,
it’s our responsibility to make sure the bridge is safe, and worth crossing.
So what can we parents, teachers, and other
authority figures do to help them find “good bridges?” Volunteering is a
one option. There are probably plenty of non-profit organizations in your
area that need volunteers. From an adult’s point of view, volunteering
builds character, self-esteem and teaches responsibility. From a teen’s
point of view,
volunteering builds resumes & college-scholarship applications, provides an
opportunity to make new friends and hang out with people who have similar
interests, and helps them feel like they have some control over their own
lives. Plus, with all of the limitations and frustrations of a being a
teenager, it’s nice to know you can make a difference in the lives
of others.
Many agencies accept help from volunteers as young as 12. Most
cities have volunteer centers that can provide you with lists of non-profit
agencies in your area that need teen volunteers. Before summer starts and
school gets out, give this list to a teen you know, but then let them choose
where and when to volunteer (otherwise it’s not voluntary). If they’re into
computers, for example, encourage them to seek out
volunteer opportunities where they can use and even learn new computer
skills. If they like to build things, see if there’s a Habitat for Humanity
office in your area. If they like nature, they can volunteer at a nearby
aquarium or botanical garden. Future health-care professionals can
volunteer at a nearby hospital, etc.
We can’t always build bridges for our teens, but we can show them some
good ones to travel, and then let them find rewarding experiences on the
other side.
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