Being a youth is one of the essential parts of one’s life. This is where you learn from your mistakes, gain experience and most importantly build the person you are to become. Volunteering is a trend that has been part of our society for many years. Belize has Red Cross volunteers, Church volunteers, Belize defense force volunteers and many more. Volunteering is when you willingly help in your society without expecting anything in return but the good you have done. It doesn’t matter which youth group you are part of, what is important is the good done. The question really is not “why individuals should volunteer?” but more in depth “why youths should volunteer?”
As a youth volunteer I can say that it is important to make a difference in society at an early age. As individuals we all play a role in society whether it be positively or negatively. We can decide to be positive impacts to society at an early age. The activities you do for your area or country do make you different than other individuals who don’t volunteer. One main youth volunteer group in Belize is the Youth Popular Front (YPF). As a Volunteer you allow yourself to tackle an issue that you’re concerned about and to actually do something about it. We can all complain at the end of the day but the individuals who actually stand up and say “Hey I know I am Young, but I can definitely do something about this issue” are the ones impacting society. For example if it’s your area that has an issue with the garbage… well you can gather people around your area and clean up that area. At the end you, your home, your neighborhood and your country benefit.
Another great importance of youth volunteering is that you socialize and interact with other individuals from around your country. You get to meet with young individuals from other cultures, know their thoughts and ideas; youths that share common dreams and aspirations as you do. Things like these motivate you to push forward because you know you are not alone. In volunteering I have met volunteers from Orange walk, Corozal and even Toledo. I have also gotten closer to youth volunteers from my area and country, Belize City. These are all friendships that impact you positively and that you will most certainly cherish.
Around our society we have individuals that have the mentality that young individuals are incapable of doing things good or effectively. Well Youth volunteering provides that experience and ability to work as a team. Not because we are youths it means we are incapable. I know many youth volunteers that are hardworking and who are recognized around their area and country because of the great deed they have done. The experience gained in volunteering is an experience that is unique. You learn strengths, weaknesses, and how to improve good qualities as well as fixing bad qualities. In volunteering you learn every step of the way. It is something that is hard to find elsewhere but that you gain when you become an active youth volunteer.
Last but not least, youth volunteerism opens many doors to opportunities. Many have gotten scholarships as well as good jobs because they have been active youth volunteers. It’s the ambition and work they have proven over the years that has assisted them with life changing opportunities. Many travel places where they go around helping as well as abroad where they get to meet with other groups from other countries. It also opens doors to many ideas as to what you want to be when you are choosing a career to study. At a young age many are still trying to figure out what career they want to further in and this is where youth volunteering helps develop that.
So if you are young and want to make a difference and build your future, then join a youth group near you. There is so much to gain and so little too lose. Your society and you need it. It’s time to get up, get out and be active youth volunteers. We are all the future of Belize but we are also part of the present of Belize.
