We know this must be experienced and can't simply be discussed. Working with children with disabilities, tutoring, assisting the elderly, building shelters for the homeless, these reach beyond mere intellectual exercise. It is learning by doing that truly changes both giver and receiver. We have seen the power of volunteerism and service around the world, and it is awesome. Spontaneous grassroots efforts usually dwarf governmental attempts to solve world issues.
All students have a desire to belong.
Itis part of our nature to want to be accepted. A high school junior from California in a school-based service program said that she has never felt more needed or more important than in her year of service and volunteerism at a children's hospital. We wonder how many of the nearby 4,000 U.S. students who drop out of school each day might reconsider that decision if they were meaningfully involved in their school community or in the community in which they live. Although some states are now considering mandatory service as a requirement for high school graduation, we hope you and your school seek to appeal to the higher ideals that involve young people in a movement, rather than in simply fulfilling a requirement. This task will test your leadership skills, but will empower you to create a legacy within your school that transcends any other activity.