Make a Difference – Global Youth Service Day

If you’re a parent, teacher, or group leader with children or youth between ages 5 and 25, check out Global Youth Service Day, the largest youth service event in the world! It recognizes the role that young people play in improving their communities. This  year, Global Youth Service Day is scheduled for April 29 – May 1.

 

Volunteering to Make a Difference and for Character Development

Regardless of how busy our children are, I think it’s important that they learn the value of giving back, of making a difference. As much as I was proud of my kids for their accomplishments, I was as proud or prouder of the fact that they gave back as they were growing up.

I loved that both Will and Christina were awarded the Broadmoor Skating Club Jr. Volunteer of the Year Award. Will was the results chairperson for the Broadmoor Open a number of years, and Christina co-chaired it with him when she was old enough.

Will and Chrissy were both DJs (and Will still is) and used their announcing skills as competition announcers for the Broadmoor Open and State Games of America (Will for Four Continents in Colorado Springs as well). They also played music for skating test sessions and competitions, were runners, and worked with competition sales. They helped with Learn to Skate and Special Olympics Learn to Skate.

Not only did their volunteer experiences help Will and Christina develop a number of life skills, but consistent volunteering reinforced the importance of giving back. I appreciated that sports helped my kids develop character, and volunteering through their sport was another way for that to happen. There were other ways my kids gave back through food drives and other events, but for them, sports were an essential part of their volunteering.

Now, I’m working together with my kids/kids-in-law to help my grandkids make a difference. You can read about many of our kindness projects here.

Global Youth Service Day Resources

According to the Youth Service America website:

“Global Youth Service Day is the largest youth service and civic action event in the world and the only one that celebrates and builds the capacity of all youth ages 5-25 to help our communities and democracy thrive by working together for the common good.”

For Global Youth Service Day, children and youth are encouraged to develop projects to help their communities. Youth Service America has lots of free Global Youth Service Day resources available.

Be the Change!

“Be the Change” Word-Art Freebie

I have many kindness posts with kindness ideas for all ages here.

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