The members of the National Collaboration for Youth see youth as community assets and resources. One way to use the resources of youth is by increasing opportunities for their involvement in national and community service. NCY's definition of youth service is based on the value of giving to others, which is best internalized through service experiences within the community. Participating in activities to improve their surroundings empowers youth to make a difference and to connect with the civic life of their communities and country.
Young people are eager to serve.
The amount of teen volunteer time in 1996 totaled 2.4 billion hours. Recent research conducted by Independent Sector reports that young people between the ages of 12 and 17 are four times more likely to volunteer if they are asked to do so. Youth who are involved in service just one hour or more a week were found to be half as likely to engage in a variety of negative behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, vandalism, and school truancy. They have thrived on the ethic of service through the commitment of volunteers of all ages. These agencies and their volunteers are an enormous on-going resource in support of youth community service programs.