{"id":8049,"date":"2019-11-19T02:23:34","date_gmt":"2019-11-19T08:23:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahblog.activityhero.com\/?p=8049"},"modified":"2021-02-09T22:06:05","modified_gmt":"2021-02-10T06:06:05","slug":"how-to-get-students-to-volunteer-without-nagging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahblog.activityhero.com\/how-to-get-students-to-volunteer-without-nagging\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Students to Volunteer (Without Nagging!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cWho\nwants to come out and pick up trash in our neighborhood Saturday morning?\u201d a\nbright and eager teacher asked a class of 9th graders. While a few dedicated\nstudents might show up, most probably won\u2019t. Saturday morning is prime time for\nmiddle and high school students to sleep in, not volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kids
INSPIRING IMAGE BY SHUTTERSTOCK<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But, counselors, teachers, and parents know that kids who take advantage of volunteer opportunities can bolster their college applications, learn new skills, find friendship, and a sense of purpose.  So, how can you motivate students of all ages to get out there and volunteer, even on a Saturday morning?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\nare 3 tips to help boost student interest in volunteering (no nagging\ninvolved!):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow\nTheir Interests<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finding volunteer opportunities that coincide perfectly with student interests is a game-changer. For example, younger students who are animal lovers might enjoy playing with rescue cats<\/a>.  You can explain that the kitties need people-time to learn to trust strangers and are friendly for their future families.  Lakes, rivers, and oceans are beloved by children of all ages.  So what better way to teach young students about the delicate ecosystem than saving the fish and other sea creatures<\/a> with a beach clean-up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High\nschool students who express interest in a career in healthcare can volunteer at a local hospital<\/a>. Baseball stars can mentor\nspecial needs players offering one-on-one coaching<\/a>.  There are also opportunities for\nteens who delight in having fun with kids and want to volunteer at a summer camp<\/a>. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When there\u2019s interest, there\u2019s motivation. So, the goal should be to find volunteer opportunities for students that are relevant, exciting and interesting for them!   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explain\nthe Benefits of Volunteering<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For\nmany, community service is something kids slog through to meet school requirements\nor appease parents.  All the while,\nthey\u2019re wondering, \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for me?\u201d \nAfter all, their brains are wired to be a bit\nself-centered<\/a>\nat this point in their development. Take advantage and think of some appealing\nideas about how volunteering benefits your child both now, and later. Try some\nof these\u2026.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For\nyounger kids\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n