The importance of community service projects for students cannot be overstated. Engaging children and teenagers in volunteer activities fosters their growth, development, creativity, and self-confidence. It teaches the value of social responsibility while they build relationships and contribute to their communities. Today, we have compiled a list of incredible free resources that will help guide and inspire student community service projects.
1. VolunteerMatch (volunteermatch.org)
VolunteerMatch is a wonderful platform that connects volunteers with opportunities offered by nonprofit organizations. This extensive database allows students to search for projects based on keywords, categories, or location to find the best fit based on their interests and skills.
2. DoSomething (dosomething.org)
DoSomething is a global movement focused on engaging youth in social change efforts through various campaigns and challenges. With each campaign, resources and guidance are provided to help students carry out projects tailored to specific causes or ideas.
3. United Way (unitedway.org)
United Way is another valuable resource offering a vast collection of volunteer opportunities in various fields such as education, health, financial stability, disaster relief, and many more. By providing details on local branches and affiliated organizations, students can easily find opportunities nearby.
4. Create the Good (createthegood.org)
Designed by AARP, Create the Good offers a diverse range of project ideas across categories like health, environment, disaster relief, education, and advocacy — which can be conducted either online or offline. This comprehensive directory can be filtered by location or keyword to offer an array of community service opportunities.
5. Idealist (idealist.org)
Idealist is another excellent platform where nonprofits advertise voluntary positions they need help with. Students can search for opportunities by location keywords or categories such as health care, education, arts/culture/music, animals/wildlife/environment, etc.
6. GenerationOn (generationon.org)
GenerationOn is dedicated to inspiring, equipping, and mobilizing young people to take action, empowering them to make a difference in their lives, communities, and the world. They offer numerous service-learning resources and project ideas for students, educators, and families alike.
7. Project Linus (projectlinus.org)
Aimed at providing comfort to children in need, Project Linus encourages volunteers to make hand-crafted blankets that are then donated to hospitals, shelters, disaster relief efforts, or other organizations serving children. This heartwarming project is a wonderful opportunity for students with an interest in art and craft activities.
Using these seven outstanding resources will help pave the way for students seeking meaningful community service projects. By connecting with causes they are passionate about and leveraging these free resources, young volunteers have everything they need to create lasting change in their communities.
