Five Volunteer Opportunities for Teens in Seattle this Summer

Taken over by selfishness and selfies, plugged in yet disconnected from the real world, and great at talking until it’s face-to-face; these are just some ways thought leaders from all over the Internet “kindly” describe today’s Gen Z.

But are Linksters really as narcissistic and self-absorbed as these thought leaders make it seem? Maybe teens are actually looking for volunteer opportunities while no one is watching.

In fact, according to the Millennial Impact Report, today’s teens and young adults are involved, engaged and committed.  84% made a charitable donation in 2014, the year of the study, and 70% spent at least an hour volunteering for a cause that they care about. They give their time and their talents in all kinds of surprising and creative ways, and go out of their way to support the causes they’re passionate about.

If you’re looking to “selfishly” volunteer, now’s the time! With summer almost here, there are lots of great opportunities for teens like you to volunteer in the Seattle area, from protecting the environment, to feeding the hungry, to helping out zoos, and so much more!  Here are five ways that you can give back to your community this season, and earn valuable volunteer experience as well:

1. Green Seattle Partnership

• What they do: Restore and maintain forested parklands.
• How you can help: Plant, maintain forests, and help with events.

2. Operation: Sack Lunch

• What they do: Provide meals and basic necessities to those in hunger.
• How you can help: Cooking hot meals, supporting OSL staff in processing donations, dishes, inventory, cleaning, organization of storage spaces, and detailing vehicles.

3. Capuchin Soup Kitchen

• What they do: Provide academic and other essential support for kids in foster care.
• How you can help: Sort donations, organize and prepare merchandise, set the store up, and help customers.

4. Woodland Park Zoo

• What they do: Save animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences.
• How you can help: Assist zoo visitors, present educational programs, and/or work behind the scenes to assist animal care and horticulture staff.

5. West Seattle Food Bank

• What they do: Provide nutritious food, education on nutrition, generate public awareness of hunger, and coordinate a range of community services for clients.
• How you can help: Prepare physical mailing materials, help with events, and help moms in need of childcare assistance.

Looking for another volunteer opportunity to match your particular passion?  We have your back! Go to KidsThatDoGood.com and use our search engine to find more volunteer opportunities in your area.