 "Volunteerism is the best part of America. " -- Paul Newman
When you hear someone say "Everyone's doing it!" it doesn't always refer to something positive. But lots of teens are stepping up to make a positive difference in their community by volunteering. Here are some resources to learn more & get connected with a volunteer project that works for you.
WEBSITES - NON-FICTION - FICTION
WEBSITES
VOLUNTEERING TIPS & STRATEGIES:
Idealist Volunteer Center
www.idealist.org/kt/volunteercenter.html
Provides info & tips about volunteering, family volunteering, volunteer organizations & a searchable database of volunteer opps for teens.
Ten Tips for Volunteering Wisely
http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/for_volunteers/ten_tips/index.asp
Tips to help you find the right opportunity for you.
Volunteer Resources
www.serviceleader.org/new/volunteers/index.php
Short articles & other info about volunteering.
Youth Volunteer Network
http://www.networkforgood.youthnoise.com/
Ideas & resources for getting motivated, taking action & connecting with other teen volunteers around the country.
NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & SEARCHABLE DATABASES:
Landmark Volunteers
http://www.volunteers.com/
Provides high school students with community service opps through programs at 56 cultural, environmental, historic & social service organizations across the country.
ServeNet
www.servenet.org
Type in your zipcode & find volunteer opps (some of which are open to teens) in your area.
Volunteer Match
www.volunteermatch.org
Searchable database of volunteer opps by zip code, distance & type. Includes youth-friendly opps.
LOCAL opportunities:
Hands On Portland
www.handsonportland.org
Lots of volunteer opportunities in the Portland area. Listings denote youth-friendly opportunities.
Volunteer Here
www.volunteerhere.com
More than 2,000 volunteer opportunities in the Portland metro area.
SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS:
BEAVERTON AREA:
Beaverton City Library
www.beavertonlibrary.org/volunteer/
Volunteer for us! We have lots of great opps available for teens, ages 14 & up.
Beaverton Youth Peer Court
www.beavertonpolice.org/community/youth/peercourt.html
Learn more about the justice system & help fellow teens in need.
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District
www.thprd.com/volunteer/index.cfm
THPRD welcomes youth volunteers, ages 14 & up. Includes general list of opps & some specific events that need volunteers.
Westside Police Activities League (PAL)
www.westsidepal.org/volunteer.htm
PAL is looking for youth mentors to get involved with other youth.
WASHINGTON COUNTY AREA:
City of Tigard
www.ci.tigard.or.us/library/volunteer/default.asp
Some opps available, especially for the Tigard Library. TL accepts volunteers as young as 12.
Oregon Zoo
www.oregonzoo.org/Volunteer/main.htm#teen
Teens, grades 9-12, can volunteer for several areas of the zoo, including tide pools, petting areas & Trillium Creek Family Farm.
PORTLAND AREA:
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
http://hosted.bbbsa.org/big/index.asp
Enter your zipcode & complete an online application for the BBBS in your area.
Friendly House
www.friendlyhouseinc.org/pages/volunteer/volunteer.htm
Provides a variety of services for people in need. Some teen volunteer opps available.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry) Volunteers
www.omsi.edu/info/volunteer/teen.cfm
OMSI offers volunteer opps in either their Rising Stars program (summer) or School to Work program (school year) for teens, ages 14-18.
Peninsula Children's Center
www.penchild.org/
Peninsula looks for high school volunteers to help out younger students in the classroom.
Providence Health System
www.providence.org/Oregon/Volunteers/default.htm
Offers some opps for teens interested in health care.
St. Andrews Nativity School
www.nativityportland.com/volunteer.html
A Jesuit Middle School, offering opps for high school students for their Homework Club.
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NON-FICTION
(Click on a book cover to reserve the title.)
 Teens With the Courage to Give
(179.9 WAL)
Profiles 30 teens who have overcome great personal odds to reach out & help others.
 Volunteer Vacations: Short Term Adventures That Will Benefit You & Others
(302.14 MCM 2006)
Profiles more than 200 organizations & thousands of opportunities to help people, animals & the planet around the world. Includes listings & stories from recent volunteers.
 Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul
(361.37 CHI)
Highlights the inspiring efforts of everyday people who volunteer for organizations all over the world.
 The Busy Family's Guide to Volunteering
(361.37 FRI)
Shows you how to access the resources and information available to find volunteer opportunities that meet the needs of your family.
 Volunteering: The Ultimate Teen Guide
(361.37 GAY 2004)
An action guide for volunteering your time & skills to help others.
 Catch the Spirit: Teen Volunteers Tell How They Made a Difference
(361.37 PER)
Features the stories of 20 teens who have made a difference in their communities. Also includes helpful info about volunteering.
 Teens & Volunteerism
(361.37 TEE 2005)
Discusses the trends among teens & volunteering, issues related to volunteering and shares the stories of teen volunteers.
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FICTION
(Click on a book cover to reserve the title.)
 Project Princess
by Meg Cabot (YA CABOT)
Mia & friends volunteer to build a house for the less fortunate over spring break.
 Notes From a Liar & Her Dog
by Gennifer Choldenko (YA CHOLDENKO)
Ant doesn't like her family, so she copies however she can: pretending that her "real" parents are coming to rescue her, loving her dog Pistachio, volunteering at the zoo, and lots of lies.
 Real Time
by Prina Kass (YA KASS)
Tomas persuades his mother to let him leave Germany to volunteer at a kibbutz in Israel, where he experiences a violent political attack and finds answers about his own past.
 Straydog
by Kathe Koja (YA KOJA)
Rachel, a teenager with a healthy dose of both aptitude and attitude, begins to feel at home volunteering at an animal shelter.
 Journey of Hope
by Lurlene McDaniel (YA MCDANIEL)
Heather travels to Africa to help provide direly needed medical assistance.
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