How to get YOUNG people volunteering

I have just been scrolling through our Facebook page when I found this link to a blog, posted by the West Auckland Parents Centre (an amazing group that was at the recent TrustPower National Community Awards).  It's all about getting girls to volunteer...but I think the messages could be for boys as well!

The blog starts by saying "Girls who develop spirit of volunteerism have a more meaningful life."  A broad statement, but one that I think many would agree with.  Do you?

It then goes on to talk about how volunteering positively impacts on the individual, the community and the country/world as a whole.  Again, I don't think anyone would disagree with that.

But the question that I then ask is...how do we get young people to volunteer?  I know that there are hundreds of incredible young people out there working positively for their communities (we see them through the TrustPower Community Awards and the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Awards) but what makes them do it?  What is the recipe for getting young people into volunteering?

I suggest that there's a lot of role modelling going on from parents/families or other adults.  But that can't be all.

So share your views.  How do you get young people involved in your organisations?  What attracts them...and what sends them running for the door?  And what are the benefits of having young people involved in your voluntary group?

If you want to read the complete blog post about teaching your daughter to give back just click here.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to hearing your views!

- Pip

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