Anyone in high school can tell you that they have a busy schedule, and that they can barely find time to sleep, considering sports, music, homework, and all the extracurriculars that they do that fill up the day. Having a volunteer requirement only adds to the pressure, because for so many it seems impossible to find time to volunteer.
Just last week, all JCHS students received a reminder email from Mrs. Blackman about required volunteer hours: “As a reminder…students must accrue a total of 20 hours over the course of their 4 years”. While many students get these hours completed through “place(s) of worship, scouting opportunities, and various community organizations such as the Library or Rec Department” – all of which count toward the requirement, it’s important that everyone fills out the log sheet and has an official sign off to verify your time. Check out the email Mrs. Blackman sent to access the log sheet and find more information about the process.
But what if you’re not sure where to start, or how to fit it all in? Between school, sports, work, and life in general, getting those hours done can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Caldron is here with tips and suggestions to get it done, and maybe even enjoy it!
Why Do Community Service?
A big part of community service is obviously giving back to the community. The community comes out for us a lot, to see our games and performances, to donate to our fundraisers, and to cheer us on as we complete each year. But volunteering is also a chance to take a step out of your routine, meet new people, and learn new skills too. When I was volunteering to help newly arrived refugee families settle into life in NJ, I suddenly found myself learning how to put together furniture, repair broken sinks, and learn how to teach English as a Second Language. I am still connected to the families but also the mentors who taught me all of these skills so I could become a better volunteer.
All of this is the reason JCHS students are required to complete some service hours: “The decision to add a service requirement for students came out of the committee that formed a few years ago to create a Strategic Plan and goals for the district. Although I was not a part of that committee, when the community service requirement was discussed, my understanding is that the district wanted to encourage students to engage in service to others and find ways to give back to their community,” says Mrs. Blackman.
Requirement or not, most JCHS students find they really do like volunteering: “Service is an integral part of our society and allows anyone to contribute to a cause that can change another person’s life. It can also bridge links between people who would not have interacted with one another beforehand. We believe it is a great way for the newer generation to get involved, to give back to the community, and to make a difference in the lives of others” said incoming co-presidents of Key Club Ben Pillipski and Raymond Zhang.
“Volunteering opened my eyes to the needs of others and taught me that serving others with what you have is far more valuable than flaunting it,” Key Club board member Esther Lee.
What’s Stopping You?
The Caldron talked with 8th grade students at GCMS earlier this year about their experiences in Service Leadership. Many reported that they understood the benefits of community service and some were even excited for the opportunity, but either couldn’t find the time, or didn’t know where to start. Finding opportunities might be one of the most challenging parts of the requirement.
So What’s the Plan?
One of the easier ways to find opportunities is through the JCHS School Counseling Website, where there are many organizations listed who have provided opportunities to JCHS students in the past. Consider joining the JCHS Key Club to gain access to the Google Classroom and all the activities listed out over the school year, and then contacting partnering organizations to see if they have summer opportunities. Finally, you can check out a project I have started called VolunTeen, designed for teens to find volunteering opportunities accessible to them in summer, and outside of school-hosted activities.
Our website and app are places where ANY students in Caldwell-West Caldwell or surrounding towns can find opportunities to volunteer. We research and communicate with local non-profits to find accessible volunteering activities. Our system doubles as a place for organizations to find volunteers and get their mission out into the community.
