VMCNJ

YOU GO Program (Youth Group Opportunities)

As an advocate for lifelong volunteerism, VMC is committed to engaging youth in age-appropriate volunteer activities that match their talents and interests with compelling community needs. In addition, VMC has a directory of organizations and agencies that welcome youth volunteers, as well as sends quarterly e-bulletins highlighting youth opportunities and news. VMC raises awareness of both community opportunity and community need through its outreach efforts such as volunteer fairs at schools.

Internships in Not-For-Profits For College Students

VMC researches and identifies internship opportunities for college students interested in careers in the not-for-profit sector.

What Young People Can Learn from Service

Personal Growth:  self esteem, personal responsibility, and confirmation of values and beliefs

Social Growth:  communication and interpersonal skills, understanding of others who are different, opportunity to work with others, and the importance of giving back to the community

Intellectual Growth:  enhancement of academic subject matter, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and awareness of social issues and community needs

Workplace preparation/career exploration:  importance of regular attendance, office and organizational culture, and job specific skills

Youth Can Make a Difference by:

• Adopting a grandparent
• Sorting food donations at a food bank
• Painting and planting projects
• Cleaning up rivers and parks
• Acting as referee or coach at sporting events
• Cooking and serving meals
• Answering phones on a help line
• Assisting with cat and dog care at an animal shelter
• Helping with museum gift shop sales
• Assisting in daycare of disabled children
• Acting as a teacher's aide
• Providing administrative support for fundraising events
• Tutoring seniors on computers
• Transporting patients to religious services
• Translating materials for non-native speakers