Hanover, New Hampshire
80 students participated
Poll Analysis - Pre-selected options
Personal Intangible Wishes
1st = worthwile use of time 2nd = worthy cause
7th = putting own values into practice 6th = role model
Personal Tangible Wishes
1st = apprenticeships 2nd = mentors
11th = TV coverage 10th = school assembly awards 9th = letters of
recommendation
Wishes for the Community
1st = auditorium, skate park etc. 2nd = upgrade schools
5th = inexpensive and good childcare 4th = library upgrades
Reasons for NOT Volunteering
1st = no time 2nd (tie) = need money and not feel qualified 3rd = not
know where & what to do
14th = parents not approve 13th = uncool 12th = needs to be fun
Volunteer 5 hours a week
During school year?
Yes = 39 No = 25 (12 of the 25 will volunteer during summer)
During summer?
Yes = 54
Currently volunteer?
Yes = 16
Poll Analysis - Hand Written Comments
Random Sampling
Trades
" Recognition for what was helped, not for me personally. At least one smile, perhaps
one hug."
Here is a practical, versatile person who will trade services for "any object from the part of the community I'm helping. If it's a store, then something from the store."
"Free lunch or free transportation; special privileges and a special standing at the place where the work is done."
"To be commended for my doings; get a savings bond and RESPECT!"
"Discounts at stores; credit at school and choice of what kind of work you do at the place where you volunteer."
"I would like to know how I and the other volunteers made a positive change. I would like an opportunity to work with people my age and a certificate or letter of thanks."
"The satisfaction of knowing that I helped out. New knowledge and learning new things from helping. Getting the chance to make new friends. More time in each day so I could do more and be able to keep up with my already busy schedule."
"Really nothing, except maybe like a certificate that shows my participation or an update to see that what I did really made a difference."
"Nothing! You're volunteering to help your community; you're not doing it for yourself to get things."
"The whole idea of volunteering is to get satisfaction for yourself."
"I have a problem with being "rewarded" (with gifts etc.) for community service. It seems unethical. Recognition is ok, but rewards seem wrong."
"If I'm doing something for the community I wouldn't want anything back. You shouldn't do things and expect a reward. Rewards come to those who give---they get a good feeling!"
"I like to think that I can do something without needing to be bought!" (considers trade an insult)
"I don't understand. I can't think of anything but money!" ???
(from a cooperative student with thoughtful answers throughout.)
Volunteers
"I participate in Youth In Action, a local community service group, but I play
sports and it is difficult to volunteer also." (Think of what sports can contribute
to the community--practices as well as actual games---maybe little kids getting to shake a
HS heroe's hand & an autograph--the point spread in a local game means one community
paints a bldg or puts on a show in the losing community etc.)
"I do volunteer work with the school group; tasks range from gardening to planning dinner for the community to helping with blood drives."
"I work at an elderly program at a hospital."
"I am part of an organization called 'Those Guys' who help in the community and do whatever needs to be done."
"I volunteer at David's House which is a non-profit organization that provides a home-away-from- home for parents of children who receive medical care at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (hospital). I answer the phones but mostly input new guests in the computer database. I also volunteer filming and editing for the local community access television station (CATVG). I enjoy filming the many sports events in the area. I am looking forward to a career in media and television."
"Youth in Action, holiday baskets, selling daffodils, working at hospital in a school program."
"I work at the Norwich Public Library one hour a week on Wednesdays after school."
"I am currently raising a guide dog puppy for Guiding Eyes for the Blind."
"I've wrapped Christmas presents for needy kids."
"I volunteer at the hospital. I feel really good about helping out, especially with people who really need your help. I also have a lot of fun because one of my friends does it too. I have also tried to get friends to do it but they never have enough time."
"I go to youth group at church where we rake leaves for the housebound, cook and
serve at community dinners and prepare food for the elderly. We also go caroling during
the Christmas season. I frequently give money from my paycheck to charities and my twin
sister and I sponsor a child at Christmas."
No Thank you!
"I get paid $17.50 an hour at my current job so there are no incentives for me to
work for free and too much homework." (computer related probably)
"A change in laws that would stop the abscounding of a youth's freedoms. No more curfews, no driving restrictions for people under 20 years of age. Why should I help someone who punishes me just for my age?"
"I don't want to be stopped on the street by police because I'm not twenty yet. RESPECT!)
"I don't want to!" (valid-also) "No good volunteer opportunities and no good rewards."
These Students Are Willing but...
"I don't know where to start. I feel uncomfortable going to the agencies that I'm
interested in volunteering for."
"Not knowing when and where. I would volunteer for things I'm interested in."
"Not good with any of the stuff you mentioned in Part II."
Hanover Press Release