|
Making a Difference
Connect with Your Community
By, Megan, 16
"You can make a difference!" Okay, I know you have heard this before—probably so many times it doesn't have meaning anymore. But I learned firsthand that through service and leadership, you really can make a difference! I did!
Community Connections
My name is Megan, and I attend a boarding high school in Indiana. As boarding students, we don't always feel 'connected' to the town that our school is in. Sometimes I think we get a little self-absorbed in high school, worrying about our grades, our team, or boys (wink!).
Girl Scouting taught me that I can connect with my community through service. Plus, it feels good to take a break and do something for someone else! You might be surprised at the friendships you will make while volunteering. Is it worth the hard work? Absolutely! I should know; I just finished up a service project of my own.
Finding a Project
The Internet is a wonderful thing. Just a few clicks and a little wandering from Web page to Web page, and I found out about National Youth Service Day (NYSD). Once each year, NYSD gives young people the chance to show that we can make a difference in our communities by meeting community needs and planning events.
I found out that the local community needed a facelift it couldn't afford, and so "A Day in the Park" was created! I decided that once school was back in session I would get my classmates to support NYSD, and together we would serve our town.
After months of planning, we ultimately had over 300 students and 100 adults participate. We planted more than 60 trees, spread mulch, fished 46 discarded tires out of the lake, hauled off truckloads of leaves and debris, and had fun. Even more, we changed the image some people in town had of us as youth. We excited the adults, our enthusiasm spread, and I definitely know that the town is different now. By working together, and being willing to serve where we were needed, we made a difference and a lasting impression.
Making it Happen
First, I had to get my Dean's approval. Luckily I had some experience with this from my Girl Scout Gold Award project, when I designed a welcome flyer for new students at my school. I had to go to my Dean for approval of that idea, too. It is amazing how the same leadership skills and connections I developed in proposing, planning, and completing my Girl Scout Gold Award project were proving to be so useful now.
Next, I contacted the town to determine which service projects they would allow the students to do. I was surprised to find that some town leaders hesitated to get involved with high school students. They viewed us as unpredictable teenagers, and didn't see the potential and dynamic force we represent when we work together. (We'd soon prove them wrong.) Fortunately, there were many adults who understood our vision and our ability, welcomed our service, and also helped us with fund-raising and planning.
Finally, I had to get my classmates to sign up and participate. This was one of the easiest chores to complete! Did you know that studies show the majority of teenagers will volunteer if they are asked? They enjoy helping out, particularly in group projects, and if the opportunity to volunteer is provided, they will join in. For this project, we asked all of the sports teams and clubs on campus to sign up and work together as groups. This worked out great.
The Power of a Group
When we serve along side one another we have great potential. I had the idea, but none of this would have been possible without the aid of my sponsor and the help we received from town leaders. Without all of the students and the donors who paid for the trees, it wouldn't have been a success. My small idea was nudged along, gained momentum, changed as more people added to it, and what resulted was something huge! Our student body is so proud of it!
I had an idea. I talked to others about it. I took action.
You Can Take Action Too!
Some of you reading this may be saying 'I want to do something like this, but I don't know how!' I used to think that, too.
We all know that the first step is usually the hardest, so here is my suggestion: think of someone you like, someone you respect, someone in a position of leadership—your school principal, religious leader, troop leader, or coach. Go and talk to them. Ask them if there is anything they need to have done.
For my Girl Scout Silver Award, I asked my school principal what needed to be done, and he needed me to get the school cafeteria painted. I took that idea, solicited donations of paint and volunteers, and learned how to make it happen. For my Girl Scout Gold Award, I went to the Dean and asked her if my flyer idea would meet a school need. For the NYSD project, I went to a town leader I knew (she runs my favorite restaurant in town!) and I got her advice.
That is how it happens. To take action, you have to take that first step. From this small start, you will formulate an idea, and then you use the skills you have learned and the leadership you possess to follow through. And with each service project you initiate, you learn and grow, and you will make a difference.
You can do the same thing with your friends or in your troop. A Girl Scout troop is an ideal group to make a difference. The skills you have and the leadership that Girl Scouting has taught you can be used to help so many in need.
|
