PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Youth service doesn't just help improve the community — it can make a lasting difference in the life of a young volunteer.

The benefits of youth service extend far beyond the acts themselves. Through service, young people learn important lessons of tolerance, altruism and civic activism that help shape them into productive adults, forming the next generation of educators and community leaders.

Results
Studies show that youth service has a positive impact on both the volunteers and the communities in which they serve. Here are just a few of the findings:

• Develops interest in impacting the community: Young people who volunteer are more likely to become active and engaged in civic activity as youth and adults.
• Improves academic performance: Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote, and engage in philanthropy.
• Increases tolerance: Volunteerism helps bridge gaps in understanding between people of different backgrounds. Almost 78% of volunteers report their service is important because it "allows me to gain a new perspective on things."
• Reduces destructive behavior: Youth who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in other destructive behavior.

PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Youth Volunteerism and Service Learning Coalition
This coalition brings together educators, youth service coordinators, youth, parents and community representatives committed to youth volunteerism and service learning. Hosted by the Community Action Team, the Coalition meets quarterly to network and discuss issues related to the field. Coalition members will receive regular e-mail updates as well as the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership's monthly newsletter.
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Use Volunteer Solutions to Help Your Students Track Service Hours
Learn more about how Volunteer Solutions can help your students find and track service hours.

Service Day Event and Project Planning
Plan your own service project at school or in the community. The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership can help adults and young people apply for funds, organize project logistics, and promote service opportunities to the school community. Contact Josh Castroat 415.479.5710 or e-mail jcastro@cvnl.org

Kittens Program for Middle School Classes
The Community Action Team (CAT), in partnership with the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, is currently accepting applications from middle schools for participation in this new program.

During the fall semester, CAT will partner with three schools to engage classes of 6th-grade students ("Kittens") in a three-hour community service curriculum taught by upper-middle and high school students.

How does the program work?
CAT will work with participating teachers to identify a minimum of three one-hour class periods to be dedicated to the service curriculum. With adult support and supervision, CAT members will lead the classes in identifying one or more community service projects and help with planning and implementation.

CAT is responsible for writing and teaching the Kittens curriculum, supporting students in developing their service projects, and providing schools with ongoing support. CAT members receive intensive training in the areas of teaching, public speaking, project planning and social issues.