How Young People Can Make an Impact with Service
Posted by provplace on December 16th, 2013
Service is not only a great way to make a better community, but a way to build a stronger relationship with God. The Book of John asks: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18). There are countless ways for a young person to serve their community. It is not something impossible or daunting; all it takes is one person to begin making an impact.
Your teens and twenties are a great time to start getting involved. From middle school to college, young people have more energy and more drive to see their work mean something and have a visible impact in their community. Some youth think that they cannot do anything because they are too young and no one will take them seriously, but that is just not the case. More and more adolescents are volunteering now than ever before, and they are being welcomed with open arms.
One of the biggest ways anyone can serve their community is by volunteering. Nonprofit organizations are always in need of volunteers to help meet their many goals. There are nonprofits for just about every cause from adoption agencies to environmental organizations, and donating some time every week or every month can make all the difference.
Each community has different needs, but all these needs require the act of service. Many families in Texas live below the poverty line and struggle just to have enough food. Doing a food drive is a great way to help those in need. Recent flooding in Central Texas also affected and displaced many families; volunteering in the relief or cleanup efforts is another way to help your community.
Churches and ministries usually have outreach and community programs established that help spread good morals and values and to help others get involved. If your local church does not have an outreach program, then helping start one would be a great way to impact the community. Many churches and ministries in Texas work with underprivileged children, people with disabilities, and others in need who lack a role model or support system. Working with others in your congregation not only brings those in need hope and help, it is also a great way to give back.
Through selfless service and sacrifice, the right impact can be made on any community, and the lives of countless men, women, and children can be improved. Youth can do just about anything to affect the area around them, with the right effort.
About Providence Place
Providence Place of San Antonio, Texas is a nonprofit organization offering adoption services, vocational training for adults with disabilities and working with other nonprofit organizations in the San Antonio area. With a 25-acre campus there are lots of volunteer opportunities available. To learn more about the work they do or to schedule a project for your volunteer group, visit their website or contact them today.
