1. Take the lead! Is there an issue in your community that you would like to see addressed? If you’re not sure where to begin, ask a parent, teacher, or community leader to help you to get started. And then see how you can make a difference.

2. Get your friends involved and meet new people too! Volunteering with old and new friends can be lots of fun, and it’s also a great way to boost your confidence.

3. Find your inner hero. Have you dreamt of being a doctor or a fire fighter? You can check out opportunities at local hospitals and fire departments to get a glimpse of what community heroes are doing, and to make a difference as part of their team.

4. Ask your school about group opportunities. Sometimes classes will get a chance to serve together, or there might be clubs at school that you could join and serve with. This can be a great way to get to know your classmates better, and can be a great way to make new friends at your school.

5. If you play a sport, or take dance classes, or are involved in any other kinds of activities, talk to your coach or instructor and see if your team or class might be able to do something together. What a fun way to hang out with your friends outside of practice!

6. Talk with your parents, friends, teachers, and other adults about your volunteer activities. Not only will you be encouraging them to serve, you will have the chance to reflect upon how your activities change you and your community.

7. Volunteer with your family. Get your family involved in one of the National Days of Service, such as Make a Difference Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and spend a day painting murals or cleaning your neighborhood park.