Studies in the U.S. have shown that those who begin volunteering at a young age are more likely to remain civically engaged throughout their lives. The experience allows them to gain skills, improve their knowledge of issues affecting them and their communities, while at the same time increasing their employability and expanding their social spheres. Volunteering enriches the lives of the individual serving and aids significantly in their personal and professional development as well. Needless to say, the benefits are as great to the communities of which they form part.

Teenagers and young adults have higher rates of volunteering than any other age group, statistics have demonstrated in various countries, yet they still face being stereotyped as apathetic by the adult public. Nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s young people are actively involved in their communities and continue to set record levels of volunteering, but are seldom recognized for their positive contributions. More often than not, they still appear in the news in a negative context, associated with random acts of violence that are far from representing their generation as a whole.

Oftentimes struggling to find their place in society, youth have the chance through their volunteering to feel a greater sense of purpose, of connection to the community, and of their civic responsibility, and that their contributions are measurable. Volunteering, in this context, can be a rite of passage for them. But recognizing young people for their service is as important as the act of service itself, because it reinforces their value in the community, and sends a message to their generation that positive contributions can be recognized.

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), the world’s largest annual youth service celebration, grew out of the need to not only showcase the power of young volunteers, but also celebrate the year-round contributions they are making. GYSD engages millions each April, frequently providing new volunteers with their first experience, and as part of the celebrations, youth working on local needs can find power and inspiration knowing they are connected to a global social movement.

When offered the opportunity to serve, young people bring their energy, passion and creativity, and can do much more than clean up beaches, paint schools and plant trees. If they are given the chance to take a leadership role, one will find that their abilities far outweigh their age or experience.

Consider the case of Rateb Ahmed, an 18-year old in Afghanistan who, as part of the Global Youth Service Day celebrations in 2002, organized National Youth Roundtables, giving young people the ability to help shape the future direction of their nation. By organizing around issues like poverty alleviation, protecting the environment, young volunteers like Rateb are playing a key role in socio-economic development efforts, including those related to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In Brazil, GYSD celebrations grew so fast, and with such great impact, that President Lula endorsed the annual event, and service learning has since been integrated into the national curriculum, showing the long-term impact such mobilizations can achieve.

The potential of the contributions young people can make is limited only by the constraints adults place on their full civic participation. Through their service, children and youth volunteers have already helped to improve countless communities, but they see the need to do so much more. Inter-generational partnership in the service movement and development sector can give us a greater likelihood of solving the problems facing mankind, and helps young people still believe they can change the world.

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is organized by Youth Service America, with the Global Youth Action Network as its key partner, together with a consortium of international organizations, and national committees in over 110 participating countries. GYSD is an annual global event that highlights and celebrates the contributions of youth to their communities through volunteer service, and engages millions each April around the world. The 9th Annual Global Youth Service Day celebrations will be held April 25-27. More information can be found by visiting http://www.gysd.org/.