Descriptions of community service agencies and volunteer opportunities are organized under specific headings in the Table of Contents. The volunteer age minimum, responsibilities, agency locations, and time commitments vary with each opportunity. Some programs encourage groups of students to get involved or require that students volunteer in the company of an adult. Some programs offer one-time service opportunities while other programs require regular weekly or monthly commitments. Make sure you are able to meet all the requirements before you commit to an agency - they will be counting on you. 

Why Volunteer?

You may have to volunteer for Confirmation or graduation requirements. But there are many other reasons to volunteer - most people want to assist others who are in need. You may think you will be doing all of the giving, but you may find you gain a lot from your experience. 

You may have an opportunity to learn from people who are different from you - by age, economic means, education, physical ability, background, culture, and/or ethnicity.

Here are a few other reasons to volunteer:

• To build community with other student volunteers as well as with the people you serve.
  
• To examine and develope your own values, attitudes, and beliefs about the world.
  
• To learn more about your extended community and to affect positive change.
  
• To discover or affirm your faith relationship with God and to respond to that relationship through service.
  
• To develop a life-long habit of service, a concern for others, and an understanding of social justice in light of the Catholic tradition.