Joliet, Illinois
60 students participated
Poll Analysis - Pre-selected options
Personal Intangible Wishes
1st = worthwhile use of time 2nd = worthy cause
7th(tie) = role model and meeting new people 6th = putting own values into
practice
Personal Tangible Wishes
1st = apprenticeships 2nd = letters of recommendation 3rd = mentors
11th = TV coverage 10th = free passes 9th = class credits
Wishes for the Community
1st = upgrade schools 2nd = computers etc.
5th = inexpensive and good childcare 4th (tie) = library upgrades and skate
park, auditorium etc.
Reasons for NOT Volunteering
1st = no time 2nd = need money 3rd = requires specific times
14th = parents not approve 13th (tie) = uncool 12th = not feel qualified
Volunteer 5 hours a week
During school year?
Yes = 45 No = 10 (5 of the 10 will volunteer during summer)
During summer?
Yes = 49
Currently volunteer?
Yes = 29
Poll Analysis - Hand Written Comments
Random Sampling
Trades
"Assistance with higher education, public recognition, learning new skills, gift
certificates or passes to sporting events."
"A place where science students can go to experiment, with supervision, with electronics, chemistry, computers and physics."
"A day off school; a day with no homework; a day you could come to school late; free passes; extra credit."
"Internships ,counseling [mentors] and financial help with college."
"An educational advancement; recognition and respect of officials."
"More activities to do around our community; to see the results of my work."
"In this world, if I do something I"ll do it from my heart. I am not concerned with what I'll get back."
"Just being a help is enough of a reward. Knowing I did something worthy for my community and that I made a difference."
"Getting the job done. Being able to walk anywhere safely. Having pride for the city."
"A computer, set of encyclopedias and books."
"Nintendo 64, a car or a nice stereo. I wouldn't have have something. I would do it out of goodwill."
"Some kind of recognition; more teenage independence (legally more
responsible for things), better school systems that are at least financially stable."
Volunteers
"I've had experience working at a daycare center and I've also volunteered at the
Humane Society."
"I am a youth leader at the Christian Youth Center."
"I enjoy community service because I am with my friends and I just have fun. Also I get a new experience and I get to meet new people."
"Joliet Police Deaprtment: communication skills, people skills, responsibilityand experience."
"I help teach first grade religious education. I enjoy it, but it's a lot of work to stay organized and plan lessons. I am also involved in Key Club."
"I like the good feeling I get when I know that my skills have helped someone to learn something new. This is my reward for volunteering as a tutor."
"I workonce a month in the City's homeless shelter called Day Break."
"I dance at fundraiser for Cornerstone Services and the Kiwanis Club. I also volunteer for scholarship fundraisers for my mother's sorority."
"I am very involved with my church group. We do community service which has included a mission trip to help needy children and work in a soup kitchen."
"I volunteer at the local hospital every Wednesday, helping the staff members. I work with newborns and sick patients. I try to foresee their needs so their visit to the hospital is comfortable."
"I helped Big Brothers/Big Sisters with their Santa Train."
"I have over 50 hours of service at Silver Crow Hospital. I work at the reception desk admitting and discharging patients. I enjoy what I do because people appreciate a smiling face when they are about to be admitted and a cheerful goodbye when they are leaving. It may sound cheesy, but it really has had a positive affect on my personality."
"I work with eighth grade basketball players."
"I work with little kids at daycare. Besides having fun, I have learned to understand children better. You can really learn a lot from little kids. I observe insecurities and strengths."
"I work with handicapped and mentally disabled people everyday."
"I enjoy dancing fand entertaining children with my dance studio. I also volunteer at the county clerk's office and am developing my secretarial skills. I learn interesting things, especially while working during election and tax season."
"Every Friday night from 5:30 -10pm I help out with a jr. high program at the Christian Youth Center. I am a team leader and make announcements and work with the kids on projects. I also volunteer of Saturdays from 8am-3:30 for the basketball program. I am a statistician and run the scoreboard. I have a lot of fun watching the kids play basketball and sometimes playing along." 12/hrs/wk
"I help the district with small jobs, like clean and set up classrooms, organize games and concession stands."
"I have a leadership position with my church youth group, teach Sunday School and am an office runner at school."
"I recently donated blood in a school bood drive."
"I have after school activities such as drug prevention group, environmental club and I help the elderly and perform other services."
"I am involved with Scouts, band, Central Against Substance Abuse and am a Snow Team leader."
"I work with trainable mentally handicapped students. It is a unique experience. The students are wonderful to be around. They really show you that they are just different." :-)
Why Not Volunteer?
I don't really care about this godforsaken town."
"No available opportunities in my area of interest."
"It doesn't matter. The community doesn't care about me anyway.
[same student wanted a way to solve the gang problems in the community.]