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Get involved in your community

Dedicating your time and talents to a good cause in your community can be a great way to develop your interests and skills, while helping others at the same time. Some people volunteer because they want to change their community or world we live in, or to address an issue they think is important. Sometimes people volunteer to help others in need.

“Volunteering helps you become a better person.”

There are many different reasons for you to start volunteering:

• To help others
• To beat boredom
• To overcome a loss you have experienced
• To gain a perspective on life
• To meet new people and have fun while doing something good

Places to volunteer:

• Homeless shelter
• Hospital
• Library
• Animal shelter
• Food bank
• Senior citizen center
• State park

No matter what your reasons, you can get a lot out of volunteering. You can learn about yourself, learn about others, and meet interesting people. You can help others as you help yourself.

Your high school may have a mandatory community service program. Look at it as a wonderful opportunity for you to get involved! Remember, it’s a chance for you to learn responsibility and experience – the satisfaction that comes with helping others!

Here are useful resources for learning about volunteer opportunities to match virtually any interest, from taking care of animals to raising money for disease research. You can also look for information at your school, local libraries and community centers, parks and recreation facilities, and religious institutions.

= This article, publication, web site, or organization is from the U.S. government.

Content last updated June 23, 2008

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