Adults and youth value community service. More than seven out of ten CT adults think schools should consider requiring community service for graduation. When young people volunteer, many people benefit. They are also less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Moreover, communities derive significant levels of new service from youth volunteer efforts.
Schools can play a critical role in engaging youth in community service.
Participation increases dramatically when schools arrange for the volunteer activity and integrate students' learning into the regular curriculum. In a survey conducted by the University of CT Center for Survey Research and Analysis in March 1998, a representative sample of CT citizens was asked about the importance of community service. Support is strong across party, age, race, income and education level, and among both liberals and conservatives. There is a growing research literature on the benefits of community service. If kids really try, think, talk, and plan, anything is possible.