items of interest

with contributions from Colin Powell, E. J. Ourso, Bethann Bennett, George H. Gallup

Many young people lack basic resources such as a relationship with a caring adult, a safe place outside of school hours, an education that will lead them to employment, and a healthy environment. Given their own needs, is it intelligent to ask them to volunteer their time to help others?

"Paradoxically, the answer is yes. Young people—like adults—usually find that when they make a real effort on behalf of others, they get back more than they contribute. Many youngsters report that volunteering in their communities has helped them understand people who are different from themselves, has opened up new career possibilities to them, and has enlarged their horizons," says Gen. Colin L. Powell in a Time magazine column "Everybody's Children" (Dec. 15, 1997). In one poll, more than half of the teenagers who responded reported improved grades as a result of their volunteer work.

With permission from
Gen. Colin Powell

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