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Tagged: volunteer

Meet a new generation of doers

August 21st, 2018

In today’s world, more and more youth use the power of their voice to make a difference and we are always happy to see these outstanding young people highlighted in the media.  One way local Kentucky students are sharing their collective voice is through the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence’s Student Voice Team.  This organization gives students the opportunity to make a difference in Kentucky schools across the Commonwealth.  And are they ever making an impact!

One small idea can have a huge impact as long as hard work and ambition go along with it.  In today’s article from Family Circle we share 5 amazing teens who are making a difference in the lives of people around them.  We hope this article inspires each of you to believe in your ideas and use your talents to make an impact in this world.   

Article referenced below from Family Circle

Published by John Hanc

“Ready, set, pitch!” Seventy high school and college students come to life in a conference room at New York University. Facing them in an outer ring of chairs are adults—a cross-section of government officials, foundation board members and other deep-pocketed notables from the worlds of social service and philanthropy. They will soon vote and award three students $1,000 each to fund their projects.

This is “Speed Pitch,” the culmination of DoSomething.org’s Social Action Boot Camp, which aims to inspire, empower and celebrate young people who are passionate about community service. Throughout the daylong conference, students have shared and sharpened their ideas of social reform; this is their final opportunity to present them to people of power. Each teen came with a plan for a nonprofit project, like creating a cheerleading squad for special-needs students or crafting homemade gifts for children in local hospitals. As the students deliver their two-minute speeches, the experts listen and offer advice. When a facilitator calls, “Time’s up!” the teens move one seat over and start the pitching process again. Think of it as speed dating for social causes.

 

Read more at Family Circle >>

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Summer Plans

February 19th, 2018

The recent glimpse of springlike air coming into Kentucky has me daydreaming of warm summer days.  Summer is a great opportunity for students to take a break from their regularly scheduled academic activities and focus on developing themselves in other areas, or go deeper in an area of significant interest.  

Gaining experience through volunteer work, internships, travel, research and just taking time to read for pleasure are all important ways to reflect on who you are and begin to discover your purpose.  Of course, a little down time is important, too!

Many of our students already have their summer plans well under way.  My hope is that today’s article link from the College Board will help you brainstorm more ideas for summer activities that foster personal growth and development.  Making constructive use of much of your time in the summer should be your top consideration, and you’ll find myriad ways to do so.  

You can change the world.  Let your summer experiences help you build your capacity to do so.

Article below referenced from College Board

Summer break is a perfect opportunity for your students to gain experience through paid or volunteer jobs, internships and other summer activities — pursuits that can also demonstrate a student’s sense of responsibility to college admission officers. How can you help your students choose the most rewarding summer activities?

First, encourage students to talk to adults in their lives who can help them find activities that match their interests.

Read more at College Board >>

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‘Tis the season of giving

December 11th, 2017

There is no better time to spread kindness throughout your community than this season of giving.  There are many ways to lend a helping hand and we want to encourage our students to consider the best way of all to give:  community service.

Many Shrop Ed students are already involved in truly significant work in their communities, but some have room for growth.  A recent meeting with a staff member from United Way of the Bluegrass included discussion of great opportunities for Lexington-area students who want to make a difference.  Whether you’re in Kentucky or New England, the Midwest or farther afield, the needs are great.  If you can commit time to help a meaningful cause, you can truly leave your mark on this world.

Lexington area students, please read on.  Students beyond Lexington, please think about ways in which you can address needs in your area … and let me know if I can be a helpful sounding board.

United Way service opportunities:

Students can have a huge impact serving as volunteers.  In the words of Frederick Douglass, for whom Lexington’s newest high school is named, “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.”  Indeed, support given to children has enormous long-term benefits to the entire community.  It builds strong men AND women, benefiting volunteers as much as those on the receiving end of positive energy and attention.  You can make a difference!

Here are a few of the ways to become involved:

  • Mentors/tutors – help reduce the achievement gap and increase student achievement in reading, math, social studies, etc.
  • Career Day for 5th Graders – volunteers help provide schools with presentations regarding college/career readiness
  • Job Shadowing –  volunteers help arrange job shadowing opportunities for high demand occupations for middle school kids to help them connect the dots between school and careers
  • Houses of Faith – volunteers provide after school sessions to assist with homework & social/emotional concerns at Houses of Faith locations
  • STEM Programs – female volunteers introduce elementary, middle & high school females to the world of STEM to encourage interest

Interested in learning more?  Please contact Roy Woods at United Way of the Bluegrass, 859-977-7382.  Mr. Woods will be happy to hear from you and provide more information.

Wishing everyone a season filled with giving, peace and joy!

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Summer is a great time to volunteer

February 27th, 2017

Given the surge in warm winter weather, we’re thinking about plans for summer.  School breaks, especially summertime while in high school, are perfect opportunities to volunteer for something you are passionate about.  Not only does it benefit those you’re helping, but it benefits you in many ways, too.  Volunteering exposes you to new experiences that you may not have had otherwise, and is a great way to build friendships and a track record of meaningful service.

There are many volunteer opportunities in your own community but if you’re looking for something outside of your comfort zone, then you may want to consider volunteering abroad.  We link today to an excellent set of questions to consider as you explore possibilities.

We’re not endorsing a particular program, nor do we feel that there’s greater value to volunteering overseas versus close to home.  Significant needs exist everywhere, and our individual efforts to address those needs can make a big difference.

Article below published by Quest Overseas on February 13, 2017

Written by:  Jon Cassidy

Overseas volunteering can be a fantastic experience, giving benefit both for the local community and the volunteer taking part. Sadly, it can also be a negative experience for either or both sides, so it is important to make sure any project you want to be part of is not going to be guilty of this.

People who volunteer generally hope to do something they will find interesting, something they will learn from and something that will help other people. However, choosing between all the possible projects and organisations is more complex than just signing up with the first one to show you exciting pictures and an interesting blurb.

Read more at Quest Overseas >>

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