Ardmore High School
Participates In Multi-State Poll
Students at Plainview High School were among 2,000 students in 21 states who, in the spring of 1997, participated in a poll which asked them to rank pre-selected options as more or less desirable exchanges for volunteer services. Money was not an option. Detailed results and an analysis of that poll may be viewed on the home page of the Harry Singer Foundation, the poll's sponsor, at www.singerfoundation.org/main/announcements/polls. For printed copies, call the Foundation office in Carmel, California 408-625-4223.
After years of working with high school students across the nation, the Harry Singer Foundation was convinced that their energy and goodwill was an untapped resource. "Many adults did not believe us when we suggested that the oldest and youngest generations, instead of being problems, were the solution to many of our social ills. So we decided the best way to persuade the skeptics was to have these groups speak for themselves." said Margaret Bohannon-Kaplan, director of the national 501(c)3 Harry Singer Foundation. "We reasoned that polling young people and retired people would determine (1)the amount of time they might be willing to volunteer, (2) their experience (already acquired abilities), (3) their eagerness to learn (or teach), (4) the return expected and (5) the incentives and disincentives, as they view them.
"When we went back and analyzed what students told us, using their own words, we noted a discrepancy between those comments and the answers that required them to prioritize pre-selected choices," said Director Bohannon-Kaplan. "The most popular handwritten trade suggestion was a desire for coupons for free or discounted merchandise, activities or services. Some form of recognition was a clear second choice followed by the intangibles such as a good feeling, desire to make a difference and a variety of altruistic declarations. Sharing fourth place were things to upgrade schools, scholarships and things that benefit the community at large. Teen hang-outs, school credit, a car or some form of transportation and group celebrations came in fifth.
"When students were prompted to mark pre-selected
choices, coupons, the number one write-in, dropped to the
fourth spot, trailing apprenticeships, class credits
and mentors. On the Foundation web site, the write in
comments are divided into 21 categories. Recognition,
second out of the 21 write-in categories, was a clear loser when
given as a pre-selected option. Visit our web site to see how the
answers of Plainview students compared to the 21 state average
and to each of the other 33 schools."
Atypical trades suggested by Plainview students
"A huge skate park; build ourselves with donated
materials."
"Scholarship for college, a plaque showing community contribution and recognition by the community."
"Another community pool, more parks and more funds for schools."
"I don't feel the need for anything because these things are to better our living and we should want that regardless."
"Just the satisfaction of knowing I helped my community be a better friendlier place, is reward enough."
"To see the smiles I can bring to others."
"Honor in the community, people to appreciate what I do and a thank you."
"An award for all participants, a banquet for everyone and special acknowledgment in the newspaper."
"I would like savings bonds for college, educational software and clothes wouldn't hurt either."
"Movie passes."
"Discounts at local businesses."
"Be cited by the city for a Job Well Done."
"A place where we could go to hang out without being harassed. More youth group activities."
"I would like to be able to have fee time; be able to learn a valuable skill and be able to know that my time has been well spent."
"Trade for privileges, like off-campus lunch."
"Food, stereo equipment, car."
Comments about volunteer experiences
"I currently baby-sit for free through my church. In the
past I have cooked, cleaned and done other odd jobs."
"For two years I have spent time around town helping various establishments. I like doing this because it makes me feel better working with the community. It also helps me make connections that may help me at a later date."
"I volunteer at the hospital as a Junior Volunteer once a week."
"I help in the elementary school office answering the phone, attendance and typing etc."
"I volunteer at March of Dimes and Art in the Park."
"I volunteer for Special Olympics."
Why Not Volunteer?
"I already have a great job and make money."
"Nothing, because I would never help the community."
"People would just mess it up again. You really don't get any recognition, or people are negative of what you did."
"No free time; always working to make ends meet."
The Foundation's latest project addresses the obstacles raised by two Plainview students: (1)"I don't know of any agencies to contact." (2) "No free time; always working to make ends meet."
Bohannon-Kaplan explained the reasoning behind the polls.
"The poll is the first step in launching Another Way,
a nationwide project which overcomes obstacles and provides
incentive for volunteers of all ages while giving donors more
social benefit for their dollars. Polling the residents in
neighborhoods determines the most pressing social problems and
suggests reality-based solutions. Compiling the wish lists of
operating public and private nonprofits enables these
organizations to focus more fully on their missions by taking
advantage of the previously untapped community resources
uncovered by the earlier polling. Using the information obtained
from these school-community-based learning exercises, enables
individual and institutional grant makers to target their social
investments so that the community receives more benefit. Another
Way is not a program; it is a coordination and communication
system using the latest technology."