Volunteerism's effects on the youth and how it builds character - Essay Example

Volunteerisms effects on the youth Volunteerism is a practice whereby a person offers time and services to individuals who need it and without pay. Thus, one donates both time and energy to perform activities benefiting society and community. Volunteerism focuses both on offering free services benefiting the community while the volunteer gets the opportunity for mutual growth (Au & Lo, 2008). Young individuals continue to seek for opportunities to offer volunteerism services to community since it has positive impact both presently and in the future.

First, youths who volunteer are less likely to engage in alcohol and drug abuse. This is because they spend a lot of time engaging in community services thereby having little time to associate with drug addicts or consume alcohol. Consequently, participation in volunteer work reduces chances of young women getting pregnant or engaging in other destructive activities (Latham, 2003). Due to engagement in social work, the involvement of youths in destructive activities significantly reduces and they become of good character in society.

Secondly, engagement of youths in volunteer work opens avenues for learning social and moral skills. For example, youths learn to be respectful, kind, helpful, understanding and patient. These skills are instrumental in ensuring development of youths who later become socially and morally upright individuals in the society. Moreover, the skills gained by youths helps in improving their relationship with other people in society and this contributes to betterment of society (Joanna, Melinda & Gina, 2013).

Third, youths who participate in volunteer work have high chances of performing well in schoolwork. This is possible since the activities that youths engage in prove challenging and become mind opener. Due to this, they get prepared for the academic work and concentrate in their studies. Moreover, youths in volunteer work have high chances of completing their studies and therefore graduate. They also participate in other social activities such as voting (Joanna, Melinda & Gina, 2013). Fourth, youths who engage in volunteer work gain skills and knowledge beneficial to them as well as to society.

For instance, young people who engage in volunteer roles have high chances of possessing strong work ethics when they become adults. Further, youths who engage in community work as volunteers also gain vital job skills as well as experience while also exploring other career options (Latham, 2003). Youths in volunteer work also expand their social circles while enhancing their social awareness. Thus, volunteerism among youths increases their connectivity as well as assisting in making of friends, expanding their network as well as boosting their social skills.

Therefore, the skills gained helps in developing a productive, prosperous, and a caring society whereby people care for one another (Latham, 2003). Finally, volunteering among the youths establishes and enhances self-confidence. Since a person engaging in community work does good things for others as well as to the community, he or she gains a sense of self-satisfaction in their accomplishment thereby offering a sense of identity and pride. Consequently, volunteerism decreases chances of suffering from depression among youths.

This is because youths are not isolated from society as they keep in constant touch with various people in society while offering their services (Au & Lo, 2008). In conclusion, participation of youths in volunteer work within society should increase since it of great importance to them and society. Thus, participation of youths in community work will develop a good society that cares, understands, and remains peaceful.ReferencesAu, E., & Lo, T. W. (2008). Youth empowerment and volunteerism: International experience.

City University of Hong Kong.Joanna, S. M.S.W., Melinda, S. M.A., & Gina, K. M.A. (2013). Volunteerism and its Surprising Benefits: Helping Yourself While Helping Others. HelpGuide.Org. Retrieved March 16, 2014 from http://www.helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htmLatham, M. Young (2003). Volunteers: The Benefits of Community Service. Cooperative Extension. Retrieved March 16, 2014 from http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/cd/2003/fs0323.pdf