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Volunteering is an Altruistic Extracurricular Activity...Volunteering refers to those things you do to help others, sometimes the less fortunate, or to support a cause you support. The word that defines unselfish tasks you do for others is Altruism Charity and helping others is a unique part of the American culture, and we support that ideal in many ways, and with intensive commitment. Rather than trying to be involved in a lot of causes, choose a couple of activities that you like, and stick with them. Consistency is a plus with the colleges. Since many high schools require a certain number of hours toward graduation, check out your high school's Web site for a list of community activities, or ask in the counseling office.
Volunteering is a different kind of extracurricular activity that includes such things as working with seniors, at animal shelters, working with disabled, with children's groups, coaching children in sports programs, and other similar activities. Generally one is not paid for these from-the-heart activities You need both for your college admissions portfolio. These days many high schools require 20 units of community service from students in their senior year. In some areas it may be difficult to find places to fulfill this requirement since it has become a requirement for Civics classes. For college admissions purposes, and for your self-growth, you need to start getting involved early in your high school career. Volunteer activities provide you with opportunities to expand of your understanding of those around you. Keep a list of your activities in your brag book, and jot down any thoughts you may have about the experience for use in your application essays. If you know your career goals, try to find something that relates to those interests, such as helping at a hospital if you plan a career in a health field.
Colleges and universities have a place on their applications where you will list these activities. In addition, those schools requiring essays or short answer responses frequently include essay topics about charitable work and your reflections on your experiences. Many schools choose some applications randomly and conduct investigations into the student's claims by contacting the organization listed on the application. The following list may give you some ideas...
Investigate some national charities with branches in your area. Always check these organizations out on their web sites, and on the websites of organizations that monitor non-profits such as
Charity Navigator.
This organization tracks and rates charities with criteria such as their profits, percentage of contributions going to the stated goals of the organization, effectiveness. It lists and describes charities by numerous categories. A sampling of some highly regarded charities appears below. These are charities that will have local involvement and activism, rather only national. Scout out other charities with local groups in your area.
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Program provides support and help for the children of men and women in prison. Angel Tree is part of the larger Prison Fellowship program, which works directly with prisoners. The Angel Tree program, through private donations, volunteers, church participation and corporate sponsorship, provides summer camps, after school programs and help for these children. In addition Angel Tree's yearly mission is to provide each child with back-to-school clothes, Christmas and birthday presents, all given to the child as if from their absent parent. National Charity League: Mothers and daughters helping their communities. Members of this very active organization manage to serve their communities in a wide array of activities, and NCL offers an excellent opportunity for mothers and daughters to share in this experience.
Animal Charities of America:
Protecting pets, wildlife and endangered species The Sierra Club: With the modest goal of saving the planet, The Sierra Club offers something for everyone.They have different chapters for different groups of members, which provides all kinds of diversity from which to choose. If you live, or go to school near a chapter, get involved. It is a way to meet people, participate in all kinds of activities, and...help save the planet Summer programs abroad for high school students
Defenders of Wildlife This is an amazing organization, and named as one of the best charities around. If you live near any of their offices, this is a place to volunteer.Currently involved in saving the wolves on the NOrthern Plains of the continental U.S. from ranchers who shoot them. Also working hard to end ariel hunting (!!! Is that a sport?) in Alaska. Like most animal and conservation organizations, these people are dedicated to preserving wildlife and their habitats.
Greenpeace: a pioneer in efforts to save the oceans and marine life Greenpeace was active early on to save the seals in Newfoundland from the annual slaughter of over 300,000 babies by Norwegian Fisherman, with the consent of the Canadian government. Later they engaged in such activities as putting themselves in the way of the harpoons from whaling vessels, and were instrumental in heightened awareness about marine life, and for anti-whaling policies enacted by most developed countries. They were a prime mover in the Tuna boycott of the 1980s, which resulted in Dolphin-safe Tuna regulations for American Tuna Companies. This victory, by-the-way, is threatened by NAFTA regulaltions. Be sure to check the Tuna cans. They also work to reduce pollution and toxic waste. National Resources Defense Council: An excellent resource for environmental actions groups. Browse their site and take your pick.
Click here for volunteer support groups for those with specific diseases, and volunteer information, offering information and help.
Search opportunities by area, cause, name, or category When volunteering to help with the local chapter of a national group, learn the facts about the organization, and their ratios of money donated, and the percent of that money that actually goes to meet the organization's stated purpose. Be sure you agree with their ideals, methods. I, for instance, do not give money to any charity that tests on animals, nor do I purchase products from companies that test on animals.
More Local Volunteering InformationCheck out local possibilities in the following places: NewspapersLibrariesHigh School Counseling officesHigh School organizationsService Groups, ClubsLocal Volunteer officesHospitalsAnimal sheltersPolitical groups, campaignsCity programs, such as sports, educational programs for childrenVeterans' organizationsThrift shopsMuseumsGroups for children and adults with special needs I'll add to this list as I come up with ideas. If you have suggestions please email them to me. The Case Against Animal Testing (Physicians for Responsible Medicine)
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