Solano Junior High School Vallejo, California
170 students participated
Poll Analysis - Pre-selected options
Personal Intangible Wishes
1st = good feeling 2nd = fun with friends 3rd = worthwile use of time
7th (tie) = role model & putting own values into practice
Personal Tangible Wishes
1st = apprenticeships 2nd (tie) = mentors and free coupons
11th = published 10th = civic ceremonies and newspaper coverage
Wishes for the Community
1st = upgrade schools 2nd = community facilities
5th = inexpensive and good childcare 4th = library upgrades
Reasons for NOT Volunteering
1st = no time 2nd = need money 3rd (tie) = not know where and need
transportation
4th = parents not approve 5th = no interest in what's available 6th =
needs to be 18 years
Volunteer 5 hours a week
During school year?
Yes = 66 No = 40 (10 of the 40 will volunteer during summer)
During summer?
Yes = 75
Currently volunteer?
Yes = 25
Poll Analysis - Hand Written Comments
Random Sampling
Trades
"I would like to have friendship, a bike and video games."
"Points for grade point average, awards and certificates and free food."
"Shopping spree for clothes, gift certificates and free passes to movies, amusement parks etc."
"I would really want money, but just to feel good is good, I guess."
"New lockers in gym, new books and new desks."
"Fun day! Play sports, water fights etc."
"I would just want people to be happy; to make the community better."
"A 14k gold ring for my mom; a CD player because I always wanted one and food so I can give to the homeless."
"I would like to help old people. I wouldn't like to have anything out of it."
"Someone thanking me for a job well done. A big party inviting everyone and a shopping spree for shoes."
"Computers, free public transportation and paint."
"Go on television and get a certificate or something like that."
"Maybe something that the whole community could be proud ofóa plaque or trophy for the whole community. A personal medal for myself only."
"More activities after school, more materials for school and more opportunities."
"Awards ceremony, gift certificates, free storre coupons, barbeque, money, name mentioned in the newspaper."
"Clothes, bike, basketball hoop."
"I would take younger kids fishing to keep their minds off drugs if I got a boat. Help clean up schools if I got the materials for it. Build more lakes and parks if I get the right people."
"Movie passes, free admission to concerts, shows, rinks etc. and gift certificates."
"A pager, a computer, a calling card and CDs."
"I would like to have respect and friendship."
"People congratulating me and a reward presented to me."
"A place where kids can go before and after school for help or assistance with their homework,"
[Think Big!] "Car of my choice; house of my choice and job of my choice."
"Sony Playstation."
"A nice calm gift."
Volunteers
The Foundation asked students to comment on any personal volunteer experience. "It
was boring." This student noted elsewhere that he/she currently volunteers two hours
a week and is willing to volunteer five hours a week during the school year and seven
hours a week in the summer!
"I volunteer by tutoring during and after school."
"I was a volunteer to fix up an elementary school and I tutor."
"I volunteer at the old peoples home. I talk to them and play games."
"I volunteered to help clean up and restructure a bathroom for the entire school."
"I help out washing dishes, mowing lawns for the elderly and helping elderly people at hospitals."
I have been a camp counselor."
"I distributed flyers to raise money for better schools."
"I recently volunteered at my local Humane Society. It was a great
experience."
Why Not Volunteer?
"I don't feel like I fit in with others who volunteer; I'm too
shy, but I know I can make a difference."
"I really never did volunteer in anything, but would like to volunteer."
"Don't want to."
"Need a real job."
"Committed to other obligations."
"Wouldn't be interested."
"Librarians don't treat you good."