Why it’s never too early to start doing service

When young people volunteer for community service activities it opens their mind to different worlds and teaches them empathy, compassion and cultural sensitivity.”

Phyllis Emmel, a teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Jefferson City

Situated where we are in the community, it seems quite natural for our school and parish to do all types of service for those in need. Jesus came to give us a model for what service to others must look like and we, as a school, try to instill this value into the lives of our students from an early age.

Everything from collecting coats and canned goods to filling Easter baskets with goodies to carrying food for the Thanksgiving dinner or gifts for the Linda Wegman Giving Tree is done by our students.

The look of joy on their faces as the projects come to fruition is amazing. Making 13 trips between the church sacristy and the McCarty Plaza building with gifts at Christmas makes me tired, but it is such a great kind of tired because the students take pride in the work the get to do.

Serving others is more than keeping up with our to-do lists or volunteering to make ourselves look better. To be a servant means we genuinely care about people - even the people society considers unlovable or unthinkable.

Jesus encouraged us to follow his lead and serve one another. After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).

In this moment, Jesus sets an example for us to follow. Jesus not only led by serving, but he also loved by serving. He’s never placing himself in a position above others. Jesus washed feet, fed thousands, visited and healed the sick and the dead, spent time with those no one else wanted to spend time with.

Here are a few ways we can follow Jesus’ example of serving others.

There are multiple benefits for all of us, but especially our children and teens who volunteer for  community service, from helping at an animal shelter to feeding the homeless or building a house for Habitat for Humanity.

For those who take part, it’s a habit that often stays with them through adulthood. Many continue volunteering when they have their own families. The rewarding feeling a person gets from volunteering for community service is something they won’t forget.

Today, it seems parents are looking for activities for their children that don’t involve iPads, smartphones, and computers. Community service is a great alternative.

When children volunteer for community service it keeps them occupied and active while teaching them multiple skills. It also can be a lot of fun, and they can make new friends in the process.

Forcing young people won’t do, however, so if you’re struggling to get them interested in volunteering try looking for projects that match their personal interests and personality.

Leading by example is also a good way for young people to pick up the habit, and it can be a great family bonding activity.

Here are some reasons why children and teens should volunteer for community service:

1. It helps them develop soft skills.

There is much emphasis today on the development of soft skills, such as collaborative thinking, teamwork, and leadership among young people. Volunteering for community service is a great way to develop these skills.

That’s why many companies frequently organize community service activities for their employees because they help strengthen relationships and foster teamwork.

Service also teaches young people how to be strong leaders. Volunteering can help lessen the impact that age differences, gender assumptions, and social hierarchies have on their ability to find their own leadership voice.

2. It teaches them cultural sensitivity and empathy.

When young people volunteer for community service activities it opens their mind to different worlds and teaches them empathy, compassion and cultural sensitivity.

By allowing young people to volunteer in homeless shelters, students are exposed to different cultures and ethnicities so they can become more culturally sensitive and accepting of people from all walks of life.

3. It helps them get into college.

Having community service experience looks great on a college application, while also giving students memorable experiences they can write about in their essays.

Admissions officers are often impressed by students who make a real difference in others’ lives, showing that they are dedicated and caring individuals.

Volunteering shows admissions staff the student could be a real asset to the college and an inspiration to others because it’s likely they will continue volunteering when they start college. Whatever the reasons, it’s helpful to understand why learning to give back to others is vital for positive youth development and how parents, schools, and communities play an important role.

With the right community service ideas and opportunities from kindergarten through high school, young people can grow from an understanding of how they fit into society to how they can help solve societal problems. This developmental process grows empathy and fosters children’s identities as engaged citizens.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

The question becomes who has God placed in our path? Who did we pass by this morning who could have used prayer? Who could use a hand with a chore or two? Who might need a new pair of shoes or a clean bed?

We have incredible opportunities as Christians to follow Jesus’ lead to love and serve those around us. Are we ready to answer Jesus’s call?

This article was originally published in the December 2021 edition of News From The Pews, quarterly publication of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City.