Wanted: Feedback From High School Students

Another Way is not a program; it is a new way of thinking. There is no need to raise existing taxes in order to expand present social programs; we need to improve the delivery system for existing resources. We need to more effectively gather, coordinate and communicate current and better information.

The Harry Singer Foundation is convinced that high school students can successfully perform many tasks that would save local governments and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars and unite communities. Many of these tasks demand research and coordination; skills which can be successfully developed in the classroom. We believe business, government and other organizations that would benefit from the efforts of youth would be more than happy to trade for these services. The only stipulation is that the trades not be denominated in dollars. The Foundation is determined to stress values other than money.

Our initial surveys show that your peers would donate additional after-school hours to strengthen their communities if their friends were involved, they knew where to go, what to do and the projects were truly worthwhile, challenging and fun. We want to know what you would like in exchange. Once we know your wishes and what you are willing to do to get them, we will take your proposals to businesses, community leaders and organizations and ask for similar trade proposals. With your help we will match these trade proposals, remove obstacles, add incentives and get started.

The following survey is your personal Trade Proposal. Please be specific. The first section asks you to determine your unique wishes. Please do not read ahead. We don't want you to be influenced by the three sections which ask you to rank suggested wishes. Later you are asked to determine a fair exchange - your trade- and consider what you would need to meet your commitment (transportation, someone to show you how and work with you until you develop the skill etc.)

We hope you will take these questions seriously. We suspect that many adults underestimate your intelligence, goodwill and abilities. We will do what we can, but only you can set the record straight. You matter! Thanks for participating.

Trade Proposal - High School

I What would you like to have in trade for doing something to help your community? (Do not specify dollar amounts but specific material things are fine) Please specify a minimum of three things which would be acceptable to you.

IA Intangible Personal Wishes
Please rank in order of desirability with #1 = most desired. Make sure you assign a different number to each of the following:

Knowing I contributed to a worthy cause (in my subjective opinion)
An opportunity to put my own values into practice
A good feeling from helping others
Feeling there was a worthwhile use of my time
Knowing my job really made a difference
Social experience-meeting new people
Having fun in a constructive manner with my friends
Knowing I was a role model - a catalyst for change
Other (please state)

IB Tangible Personal Wishes
Please rank in order of desirability with #1 = most desired. Make sure you assign a different number to each of the following:

Apprenticeship opportunities-learning a skill
"getting a real life education"
Mentors - to advise and guide me and provide job and/or educational opportunities for my future
Recognition of my efforts in a school assembly
Awards: trophies, plaques, ribbons, badges, certificates
Recognition of my efforts in an adult civic ceremony
My name and picture in the local newspaper with an article about the activity
Prime time TV coverage on a major channel
The project I was involved in and my role published in a commercial book and on the internet
Discount coupons and gift certificates redeemable at local fast food and other restaurants, and stores
Free passes for movies, concerts, skiing, skating, bowling and other music and sport events
Class credits
Letters of recommendation
Other (please state)

IC Tangible Wishes For The Community
Please rank in order of desirability with #1 = most desired. Make sure you assign a different number to each of the following:

Materials to upgrade public libraries
Materials to upgrade public schools
New or upgraded community facility such as an auditorium, sports arena, skate park etc.
Inexpensive and upgraded centers for pre-school and after-school care
A community center equipped with computers and recreation equipment where all generations might gather
Other (please state)

II Now determine a fair exchange - your trade. Place a check next to those things you would like to do, and feel you could do if someone would train you and work with you. If you have time and inclination, please go back and prioritize at least your top five choices with #1 being the job you would most be willing to trade for your wishes.

Organize and motivate people--management skills--(responsible positions)
Write manuals
Coordinate meetings and schedule projects--management skills--(responsible positions)
Set up appointments (phone)
Write speeches
Word processing
Secretarial skills
Computer inputting
Computer programming
Compose songs and cheers
Read aloud
Write press releases
Design logos, posters, flyers, badges etc.
Compose the words to dub in videos for spots on cable and various TV stations
Conduct research in person to uncover all the good going on in your community (groups and individuals, church, government, private)
Conduct research via the internet
Conduct research via the telephone
Research grant-making organizations
Write proposals, and conduct phone follow ups
Solicit businesses to obtain finders fees for bringing new clients or customers
Be a web master
Configure modem connections and instruct others how to log onto the internet
Work with software such as Director (shock wave) multi-media--Java--animation
Conduct research via regular mail
Research to compare prices for best deals
Write up findings of researchers
Shopping--pick up materials as needed and directed
Solicit or supervise others to obtain donations of goods and services as needed
Discuss solutions to problems, incentives for volunteer work (awards, motivators)
Help establish computer connections to the internet
Discuss volunteering with people of all ages and walks of life (relatives, little kids, peers, church members, older people etc.)
Debate and persuade
Poll people face to face and record their answers on the spot
Video ---shoot movies of volunteers at work
Act in videos, for presentations to other schools and organizations
Work with carpenters
Gardening
Cleaning
Work/play with young children
Painting
Work with plumbers
Work with older people
Work with health professionals
Work with roofers
Decorating
Plan parties and meetings
Prepare hot food
Pick up donations
Provide transportation for people
Repair broken and recycled items
Baby sit
Sell items at flea markets or concessions
Wash cars
House sit
Engage in pet care
Clean up garages and basements
Mow lawns
Wash windows
Make sandwiches
Run errands for busy workers and the homebound (grocery shopping--laundry drop off/pick up---flower delivery---purchase tickets or retail items)
Bake cookies, cakes, breads, pies etc.
Perform bookkeeping tasks
Perform in front of adult groups in plays or memorize and recite great inspirational documents in front of service club members, business groups, church gatherings etc. (Gettysburg Address, Preamble to Declaration of Independence, Martin Luther King "I Have A Dream", etc.)
Perform in front of children at hospitals or for parties by leading games, manipulating puppets, doing magic, acting in skits or group singing and dancing or musical recitals
Publish books with all sorts of themes
Publish calendars featuring drawings by school children or photos of students

Would you commit 5 hours a week to a volunteer project during the school year if the commitment came up for renewal every 3 months?
yes no

On the same 3 month renewal basis, how many hours a week would you be willing to commit during the summer?

I currently volunteer hours.

III A If you currently volunteer, please tell us about your experience.

III B Please rank with #1 = main reason for not volunteering. Make sure you assign a different number to each of the following:

not feel qualified
parents wouldn't approve
too little free time
uncool-need friends to volunteer too
believe others better able
think tasks insignificant
no interest in available opportunities
don't think I can make a difference
not knowing what needs to be done and where to find out
need transportation
agencies require specific times which don't fit my schedule
need better incentives-fun
agencies I contacted require volunteers to be at least 18 years old
need to earn money
other (explain)

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The Harry Singer Foundation thinks young people are capable of solving social problems--do you think so? If so, help us let you prove what we know you can do. Contact us!

The Harry Singer Foundation
P.O. Box 223159 Carmel, CA 93922
408-625-4223 fax 408-624-7994 email: hsf@singerfoundation.org