Giving Compass' Take:

• Freddy Williams, writing for Forbes, lists three reasons nonprofits should recruit youth as volunteers for their programming. 

• What volunteer opportunities are available for young people in your community? Do you support nonprofit volunteer programs?

• Read about what young volunteers can teach us. 

While each nonprofit's mission statement varies, generally, all nonprofits want the community they serve to be a better place. All too often, we become hyper-competitive as we compete for market share, donations, board talent and staff talent. When this happens, we miss the opportunity to forge partnerships and leverage resources that can exponentially accelerate macro outcomes.

For instance, there is a tremendous opportunity for all us to coalesce around children to champion community-level change. Imagine a world where who you are, where you're from or the circumstances that surround you don’t determine your access to experiences or opportunities.

It’s with that in mind that we should commit to providing every child the opportunity for a better future -- no matter their background -- to assure success is within reach for every young person who enters a quality out-of-school time program’s doors and that everyone reaches their full potential.

Out-of-school time (OST) is a key vehicle for accomplishing a stronger America and a critical component to keeping communities safe and prospering. Today's youth spend more time out of school than in. As such, quality and impactful out-of-school time is an economic, moral and national imperative for our country.

Nonprofits are always looking for quality volunteers and quality out-of-school time providers are looking for opportunities for kids and teens to perform service learning experiences. Here are three reasons to consider bringing on today's youth as volunteers:

  1. It provides a safe, positive environment in which to learn and grow.
  2. It helps them make healthy decisions resulting in positive social, emotional and physical well-being.
  3.  It prepares them for both life and career.

Read the full article about volunteering for a nonprofit by Freddy Williams at Forbes.