Contribute
Almost everyone has the ability to give back and contribute to their community. What can you contribute to make El Paso a better place to live?
Participate
There is no shortage of volunteer opportunities in El Paso. And if you cannot find the "right fit" why not make your own volunteer opportunity? Make a name for yourself and help others at the same time by participating in volunteer opportunities!
Network
By volunteering, you become part of a bigger picture. You will meet new friends and expand your circle of acquaintances that can help you in the future. Your network will grow to match your personality and, if you grow your network correctly, it will help you not only in college, but throughout your life.
Experience
Every experience you have helping others makes you a better person. The more your experience, the better you become. Plus, you get the added benefit of breaking out of your "comfort zone" by creating new opportunities to meet people and learn.
Entering Freshmen from the 2014-15 school year forward must complete the 30 hours per year community service requirement. Students who were Sophomores or Juniors in the 2014-15 school year are still encouraged to complete the 30 hours (15 hours per semester) Community Service and self report.Students meeting the Community Service hours goal will receive special recognition and a cord at graduation.
What is Community Service?
"Community Service shall be defined as service performed for approved persons, organizations or agencies outside of the student's home and/or family. --- Beginning with the Fall of 2014, every high school student will participate in community service as part of the EPISD learning experience." --- Board of Managers Goal 3-Immediate
How to make the most of your Community Service:
Ask yourself:
- What kinds of work would I like to do?
- What groups would I like to help (such as children, seniors, animals)?
- What social or environmental issues would I like to address?
- How much time do I have to volunteer?
- What do I want to get out of volunteering? A chance to meet people, make a difference, use a skill or talent, or gain professional experience and contacts?
Choose organizations you're interested in, then:
- Ask for a tour of the facility
- Ask questions that interest you
- Stretch beyond your comfort level. Something you've never tried before could put you in contact with new groups and help you build new skills.
If you are working with the organization's clients, listen to them more than you talk. Listening validates others' experiences and helps them feel comfortable.
Who knows? Maybe you'll learn some things as you listen.
Avoid extremely personal questions or questions that might embarrass clients.
Go out of your way to interact with the people you're serving, other volunteers, and staff people. Even if you're working on just a short project, sharing yourself can have a lasting impact on others. Watch for lasting impacts others have on you, too.
If you finish the task you came to do, ask the agency for another project that could use your help. You'll get to see a different aspect of the organization and gain another experience.