Yes, bullying can be rough and can cause the victims to shy away from social interaction. However just because one person or a particular group of people are bad, that doesn't mean that everyone is like them. At Play It Forward NY, we encourage children and teens to go out and get involved in the community. It could be anything from joining a local sports league, joining a club, becoming a member of a community organization (i.e. the YMCA), or participating in community service activities. Becoming involved helps increase social interaction as well as provide you with the opportunity have a voice in local community affairs. It cultivates a sense of responsibility not only to yourself, but to your fellow community members. Below are 5 ways children and teens can become active members within the local community.
1) Volunteer
We all have something we care about, whether if its the environment, the homeless, or a desire to help cure some of the social ills plaguing society. Figure out what it is that you are passionate about and get involved. Go to your local community center, library, or town hall and see what volunteer opportunities are available. If none of these options are at your disposal, then check out http://www.volunteermatch.org for volunteer opportunities within your local area.
2) Join Clubs/Teams
If you have a particular hobby (books, poetry) or have a special interest, join an existing club or start your own. Clubs serve as a great way to establish connections with like-minded individuals who share the same passion/interest with you. The same could be applied to sports teams. If you are a basketball, baseball, or football enthusiast, join an existing sports league or start your own team and challenge the neighborhood kids. Teams and clubs help cultivate a sense of camaraderie and team-building skills that are important in everyone's personal development. Plus you get to interact with your own peers and expand your circles.
3) Community Associations
Almost every neighborhood has some type of association or organization in place. Join them and get involved in the affairs of your local community. This works well if you see something you want changed and allows for you to have a voice within the community. Community organizations may help organize a wide array of events such as block parties, pot lucks, or events in the arts. Maybe your community has a neighborhood watch you could be a part of.
4) Fundraisers
Want to make a difference? Want to contribute to a particular cause or raise money for a particular benefit? Fundraisers may be the thing for you. Be it a bake sale, garage sale, a car wash, or hosting a live performance; there are many ways you help contribute to a cause and making a difference in other people's lives.
5) Donations
More often than not; many organizations seek donations to contribute to the needy. Food Banks welcome donations of food to help feed the hungry who can not afford to obtain their own food. Other organizations like the Salvation Army will donations of any kind to provide to the needy. Be it clothes, food, or even books and toys; take the initiative and donate it to those who need it the most. We tend to take things for granted that others so desperately need.
These are just some of the ways we encourage children and teens (and everyone else for that matter) to get involved. The list is not just limited to the above mentioned suggestions. We encourage everyone to go online and search for other opportunities and ways to get involved and show that you care.
1) Volunteer
We all have something we care about, whether if its the environment, the homeless, or a desire to help cure some of the social ills plaguing society. Figure out what it is that you are passionate about and get involved. Go to your local community center, library, or town hall and see what volunteer opportunities are available. If none of these options are at your disposal, then check out http://www.volunteermatch.org for volunteer opportunities within your local area.
2) Join Clubs/Teams
If you have a particular hobby (books, poetry) or have a special interest, join an existing club or start your own. Clubs serve as a great way to establish connections with like-minded individuals who share the same passion/interest with you. The same could be applied to sports teams. If you are a basketball, baseball, or football enthusiast, join an existing sports league or start your own team and challenge the neighborhood kids. Teams and clubs help cultivate a sense of camaraderie and team-building skills that are important in everyone's personal development. Plus you get to interact with your own peers and expand your circles.
3) Community Associations
Almost every neighborhood has some type of association or organization in place. Join them and get involved in the affairs of your local community. This works well if you see something you want changed and allows for you to have a voice within the community. Community organizations may help organize a wide array of events such as block parties, pot lucks, or events in the arts. Maybe your community has a neighborhood watch you could be a part of.
4) Fundraisers
Want to make a difference? Want to contribute to a particular cause or raise money for a particular benefit? Fundraisers may be the thing for you. Be it a bake sale, garage sale, a car wash, or hosting a live performance; there are many ways you help contribute to a cause and making a difference in other people's lives.
5) Donations
More often than not; many organizations seek donations to contribute to the needy. Food Banks welcome donations of food to help feed the hungry who can not afford to obtain their own food. Other organizations like the Salvation Army will donations of any kind to provide to the needy. Be it clothes, food, or even books and toys; take the initiative and donate it to those who need it the most. We tend to take things for granted that others so desperately need.
These are just some of the ways we encourage children and teens (and everyone else for that matter) to get involved. The list is not just limited to the above mentioned suggestions. We encourage everyone to go online and search for other opportunities and ways to get involved and show that you care.