Societal issues, from racism to poverty, are at the forefront of everyone’s mind these days, especially for those of you entering your teen years in this era. There’s a great sense of urgency, and you want to take part in making the world a better place rather than leaving it as is. To accomplish these goals, consider these three community service ideas for teens. How you choose to give back now may very well determine what your entire life of service looks like.
Walk Dogs or Mow Lawns for Neighbors
Action starts right where you live. Our first community service idea for teens is to get active in the neighborhood doing tasks for those with apparent needs. This can mean walking dogs for someone who just had surgery, mowing a lawn for the elderly couple across the street, or raking leaves for a frontline worker.
If you’re feeling ambitious, go right up to their door and (while obeying proper distancing and masking precautions) ask if you can do anything for them. This simple request will shock people, and some will turn you down. The few who take you up on the offer will appreciate the gesture more than you know.
Join (or Start) a Service-Oriented School Club
The next most likely place to make a difference is in your school. Joining or starting a club provides you unique access to school resources and connections. After all, you can recruit classmates and talk to local charities about how you can help with official school backing.
Your club (should you start one) can take many shapes. You can travel to different areas and pick up trash together, spend an afternoon serving at a local homeless shelter, or put on pop-up car washes to raise money for local charities. You can advocate for underprivileged students in your school or support senior citizens at a local assisted living facility. Your options are limitless.
Create a Fundraiser or Supply Drive
Another community service idea for teens, whether through school or not, is to set up a fundraiser or supply drive. All kinds of nonprofits, even the most well-funded, lack the resources to give the people they serve everything they want to. For example, there are certain items homeless shelters always need, and you can be the reason they can stock up again. Decide on a fundraising medium—an auction or raffle, a fun run, a gala—and start the process of finding a venue, securing sponsors, and marketing your event. Others will notice and respond to your initiative, allowing you to be an effective agent of change.