This year September 21 marks the official last day of summer. But for many children and teenagers, summer ends on the first day they return to school. If you are thinking about ways that you can help out your community, you should consider volunteering to help students in your area. Below are four ideas that you should consider.
Coaching
Sports enthusiasts should consider volunteering at a local school or community organization. Many schools lack the budget to offer a sports program or pay a coaching staff. The National Youth Sports Coaches Association offers training to new and experienced coaches alike. If you have never coached children before, it’s a great resource to utilize. You’ll learn a lot of useful information like how to work with parents and how to instill confidence in players.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters has existed for over 110 years. The organization matches adults with children who face adversity. The children’s ages range from 6 to 18 years old. Children involved with the program gain more confidence, perform better in school, and are less likely to abuse drugs. If you have time after work or during the weekends, becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister is a fantastic way to make a positive impact in your community.
Volunteer to Tutor
Some students need extra help with certain subjects, and tutoring is a great way to help out. There are numerous national and local organizations that will pair you with a student or allow you to tutor a group. Oftentimes, the organizations provide training if you have never tutored or worked with children before.
Arts
Getting involved with an after school program that focuses on art is another way to help students in your area. There are opportunities to help children learn every type of art—from painting to music to drama. The Center for Arts Education states that children who receive an education in art are four times “more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.” Also, they have “lower rates of behavioral problems, higher attendance rates, [and] higher graduation rates” (Who We Are).
If you don’t have the time to volunteer in person, you should consider donating money to an organization that helps students. Here’s a list of 25 organizations that help children: http://www.more4kids.info/652/top-childrens-charities/. While the list features organizations that focus on education, it also features organizations that focus on helping children with disabilities and serious illnesses.