Now that I’m in Grade 12, I have been reflecting a lot on my experiences so far and how they have made me the person I am today. One of the biggest influences has definitely got to be volunteering. I began volunteering with Youth Central in the summer after Grade 9 through Youth Are Awesome and back then, I was just a keen student who wanted to do something constructive with her life to fill up a summer. However, through blogging and volunteering that summer, I ended up meeting so many new people that empowered and encouraged me to continue to work hard. It was also through blogging that I was able to realize me passion for the arts and social science, which has in turn made me program selection for university much easier. Even today, some of my closest friends I met through volunteering, and it is also the reason why I can make and maintain friendships with people who don’t attend my school.
While many may think that volunteer only involves going out and helping out at a venue, it can actually be quite broad. In fact, Youth Are Awesome actually contributes volunteer hours to your profile! There is so much diversity in what kind of volunteer projects you can do, and the annual Mayor’s Youth Council Youth Volunteer fair is meant to showcase many different local organizations who offer volunteer opportunities to young people. Hosted in the Municipal Building this Friday, it is a great chance to get involved with many different causes. While some organizations don’t allow youth the opportunity to volunteer with them, all the organizations attending the fair are youth-friendly. Come down at explore your options and I hope to see you there!
QUICK FACTS:
WHEN: This Friday, October 28th from 2:30-5:30pm
WHERE: Main lobby of the Calgary Municipal Building (800 Macleod Trail SE)
WHO: Organizations represented will include:
- YMCA Calgary
- Distress Centre
- Calgary Women’s Centre
- WinSport
- Calgary Public Library
- Salvation Army Community Support Services
- LINK-Ages
- USAY (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth)
- Youth Central