One of the most frequent questions I, as a school social worker, hear from students (sometimes parents) after they learn they are required to do community service is “Why?” Even after the explanation that it is a part of the graduation requirement, it is not good enough. Below is not an exhaustive explanation, but it is provided to give you some insights toward the enormous benefits of community service. Good luck!
- It helps you develop a richer perspective of the world you live in.
- It connects what you learn in school to the real world.
- It helps you get ahead in the college admission process.
- It is a fun and rewarding learning experience.
- It creates powerful connections.
- It motivates you to do so much more.
- It opens opportunities for change in the community.
- It will look good on your resume.
- It helps you make new friends and contacts.
- It increases your social and relationship skills.
- It increases self-confidence as well as self-efficacy.
- It effectively combats depression; it gives you a purpose in life.
- It helps you stay physically healthy, increases your quality of life, and increases your longevity of life.
- It boosts the happiness effect.
- It advances your potential career by developing experiences, job skills, and passions.
- It expands your areas of interest.
- It strengths your beliefs, values, and character.
- “What goes around comes around” could not be truer.
- Students are more likely to grow up to be responsible and informed voters.
- It develops great problem-solving skills.
- It opens networking opportunities.
- It creates a sense of responsibility and pride.
- It cultivates soft skills (communication, teamwork, dependability, adaptability, conflict resolution, flexibility, leadership, problem-solving, research, creativity, work ethic, integrity).
- It saves resources.
- You can make a difference and leave behind a long-lasting legacy.