Is your teenager looking for some volunteer activities to do this summer? You are in luck – the popular Teenage Volunteer Opportunities Action Guide is now available, updated for 2011. You will find the Guide on Oak Park River Forest High School’s website here.
The Volunteer Center, which used to publish this annual booklet, is now closed, and will not be publishing the guide anymore. (The new West Cook Volunteer Center is gearing up to launch soon and serve our community – watch for news on this!)But strong community demand for the Action Guide , prompted the Oak Park River Forest High School, the Oak Park Public Library and the Oak Park Township to join forces to update and expand the directory, and make it available for the community.
Kay Foran, Communications Coordinator for Oak Park River Forest High School, said this resource guide was just too important to let slide after the Volunteer Center closed. She worked with Monica Harris of the Oak Park Public Library and Roberta White at the Oak Park Township Youth Services to update the listing. The Teen Opportuntities Action Guide features a wide variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the community. Some of the available volunteer positions are for middle school age students, but most are for high school age teenagers.
Summer volunteer work can provide valuable life experiences to teenagers, and is a huge benefit to area non-profit organizations. In this economy, where it may be difficult for younger teens to find jobs, volunteer work can provide work experience that can lay the groundwork for future employment and help students to learn about careers and services that are of interest to them. When teens volunteer their time, everyone benefits!
