Six years ago, we asked a few non-profits leaders to share some community service ideas for kids. Read their stories and advice below.
“Years ago a 9-year-old girl asked me if she could sleep outside one night during the winter to help raise funds for Spectrum, the organization I run which helps homeless teens. I told her yes, and she raised over $1,400. The next year a few more kids joined her, and raised even more money. The following year over 400 kids did it, raising upwards of $20,000. And it’s continued to spread. All this because one 9-year-old girl cared enough to do something about homelessness.”
“Just because you are a kid doesn’t mean you can’t serve your community.” Mark Redmond
Mark Redmond is director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services and has worked in the field of helping homeless youth for 33 years. He is the author of “The Goodness Within: Reaching out to Troubled Teens with Love and Compassion”.
“Whatever you do, get to know the story of the individuals you’re helping.” Dr. Bill Magee
“Compassion and passion are key when it comes to community service. Kids should find something they love to do and do it in a way that’ll enhance and engage others. Community service comes in all shapes and sizes. You can volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate your talent, or fundraise. Whatever you do, get to know the story of the individuals you’re helping. I encourage people to start volunteering at a young age, which is part of the reason we’re proud of the thousands of students around the world who’ve started or joined more than 900 Operation Smile Student Clubs.”
Dr. Bill Magee is a plastic and craniofacial surgeon who co-founded Operation Smile. He serves as the organization’s CEO. Operation Smile is a children’s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health of children.
“There are so many things kids can do to make the world a better place.” Tim Norton
“If you see something as unfair in the world, talk to your parents and teachers about how you can change this. Become a school leader and talk to your friends about what you can do together. Worried about kids who don’t have enough to eat? Run a breakfast club. Interested in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander rights? Ask your principal to run a National Close the Gap Day at school. Reading about refugee children overseas? Organise a fundraiser at your school for a charity. Ask for help from others about your role in making the world a better place.”
Tim managed Save the Children Australia‘s advocacy campaigns and public engagement activities, including youth advocacy program.
