Global Youth Service Days

[Meridian International Center]

 

 

Global Youth Service Day

On April 20-22, 2012, millions of children, teens, and young adults, ages 5-25, and their adult allies and champions in over 100 countries on 6 continents will change the world, addressing critical issues including health, education, environment, hunger, poverty, disaster preparedness and response, and human rights.

 

Be a part of the largest, and longest-running, annual day of service, and the only day of service dedicated to engaging and celebrating children and youth. Register your GYSD project or event today!

 

 

Does your work benefit children? Do you work with young volunteers? Why are these topics important to you?

 

 

Comment below and tell us what you're planning for GYSD or share why you think youth and volunteering are important!

 

[Kaitrin Morrison]

I think engaging youth in volunteering is extremely important because it creates opportunities for young people to take control of their future. Not only does it make them feel included in making a difference, but it empowers them to realize their capabilities and potential to change the world. I also believe that young people can be some of the most determined when it comes to volunteer service because they are not afraid to try and possibly fail. To turn someone away because of age would be a waste of talent and optimism.

 

I recently read an article about a youth volunteering group in Nigeria and I found it to be very inspiring. I encourage everyone to read it as well! (http://allafrica.com/stories/201204110446.html)

"The culture of volunteerism is a common feature among most of the countries we admire and aspire to be like in terms of development. In these countries you see youths helping in building schools, community centers, among other developmental endeavors by donating their time and skills. The idea of youths lazing around, doing nothing and they turn around to ask for change is inimical to development."

[Victor Manuel Rizo Rivera]

I work with teenagers in different projects, these topics are important to me because if I have new leaders in my community I will have new people with new ideas that are going to change my country.