Most will agree that the youth of today are tomorrow’s leaders. We should all do everything we can to support young people as they grow up and come of age in a highly challenging world. If you’re looking for ways to make a difference, here are several easy ways to use your interests and skills to benefit youth in your community.
Volunteer in Sports
Serve as a coach or an assistant coach to a community youth sports team. Kids love athletic competition, and adults can make it possible by providing their service in this important area. Often, no special skills are needed, just the willingness to show up at games and learn the basic rules of the sport. Alternatively, if you do have experience with a sport, you can volunteer to be a referee for a youth league. Keeping kids active in organized sports can help to keep them off the streets and out of trouble, especially after school.
Donate
If you don’t have consistent time in your schedule to volunteer, you can donate a sum of money, once or routinely to support a youth program in the area. There are numerous charities dedicated to helping young people learn job skills or to experience a unique opportunity that will help them prepare for adult responsibilities. Some charities are health-based or education-based; others specialize in social services for youth. Choose one that is meaningful to you and make a donation. If you’re not sure where to start, find a youth center in your area and ask if they accept donations or search for a cause you’re passionate about to contribute to.
Sponsor
Kids without a normal family structure or who are at risk for social problems or legal trouble can benefit from having an objective sponsor. You can work with an organization to meet with a troubled child periodically to show support and caring while providing normative guidance and encouragement as they deal with life issues.
Participate
Lend your skills in support of a youth club or organization. For example, if you have carpentry know-how, offer to build theatre sets for a youth drama team. If you raise animals as a farmer, you could host groups of schoolchildren to visit with teachers to learn about farm life and animal care. Whatever you do, find a way to represent as a positive role model and teach kids about your specialized field or interest. If there are kids who want to enter that field or area, offer to be a mentor and guide them through the right steps.
Bequeath
When making your Last Will and Testament, designate a certain amount of funding or an asset, like a boat or quality set of tools, to be given to a bequest program to help children in need. The boat might be useful at a summer camp, while the tools could help a teacher train children how to do woodworking. Some kids will not have these opportunities unless provided by a generous community donor.
All children deserve a chance to reach their potential by learning new things and being the recipients of adult support. Consider helping kids through the above options to make a life-long difference.
