Kinsley High School

Kinsley, Kansas

Teacher:  Dr. Galen R. Boehme

 

 

Volunteer Services:  Keeping a Community Alive

Presented by:

Mr. Adam Hobgood

 

 

Volunteer services will grow and prosper in our community as we put strong effort in community needs, provide understanding for students in the process of volunteering, and actively promote the youth in community affairs.

           

As an ever-changing community, several needs still exist in Kinsley for improving.  Not only does the community appearance need help, but individuals within the community need help as well, both financially and emotionally.  Strong effort must be put forth by everybody to accomplish goals such as a cleaner community and new building projects.¹  Organizations such as the Lions’ Club help businesses grow and prosper and promote better values in business practices.²  The Knights of Columbus, consisting of Catholic men, help raise money for many health services and combat substance abuse that can plague our community.³  These organizations often help with the individuals within the community as well.  The needs of people are many and often costly.  However, food drives and “Meals on Wheels” are not possible without volunteers with a strong sense of compassion for the wants and needs of other individuals.

           

Volunteering is not only a benefit to the individuals receiving help, but to the volunteer as well.  Many values are expressed in the process of volunteering.  First, better cooperation is displayed.  By working with others, more can be accomplished and interaction with the community is strengthened.⁴  Second, a strong sense of belonging is gained.  By interacting with others and becoming involved in city affairs, we can influence community decisions with positive input.  Finally, tasks and projects will be completed.  By donating time and effort to worthy and important causes for the community, contributors will gain many benefits.  As the community grows and prospers through volunteer help, the interests of the residents will broaden.

           

To involve students in volunteer programs, we must help them to understand the process of volunteering.  Many vital lifelines of our community are staffed not by profit businesses, but rather by volunteer services.  The school board members voluntarily direct the educational programs of the district.  These board members work for the youth of our community to provide a quality education for the students.  The Big Red Booster Club consists solely of volunteers supporting the interests of the school.  Composed of parents of students within the school, they help provide funding for many of the school’s extracurricular activities.

           

The youth of our community also provides strength with their volunteer efforts.  Groups such as the United Methodist Youth Group,       STUCO, and KAYS contribute much to our community.  These students conduct food drives, clean areas around the school, and act as mentors to needy children.  As a goal for the community, we should actively encourage at least half of the student body to participate in volunteer organizations.  Sponsoring a volunteer day in the community is one way to involve everyone in volunteer services.  High school students in KAYS and the Student Council can mentor children who are in need of educational or emotional help.⁵  Encouraging youth to participate in such activities will benefit the community by using the energy and enthusasium from the many young adults that make up our schools.

           

As a teenager and student living in Kinsley, I can volunteer help for my community as well.  By donating my time as a member of the United Methodist Youth Group, I can help serve the needs of others.  The Methodist Youth Group has often heeded the calls for service by collecting can goods for the needy and providing entertainment to the senior citizens at the Medicalodge.  As a student, I can also encourage other teenagers to become involved in volunteer activities as well.  Promoting students to become involved in organizations such as KAYS and the Student Council, the youth can become an active role in the service of our community.  As these students continue to provide service, they can then encourage others to participate.  This way, volunteering services will become an endless resource. By participating in these activities, I have gained a better perspective on the role of a volunteer.

           

In conclusion, without volunteer services to help guide and strengthen our community, it would soon collapse.  We must fight to keep the many organizations that help support community.  By employing the youth to volunteer for many of the service organizations available, our community can continue to grow and prosper.

Footnotes

¹ Bagby, interview.

² “Lions Club International.”

³ “Knights of Columbus.”
⁴ Hersch.

⁵ McKinney, interview.

 

Responses to the Questions

For Required Reading

 

Question #1 – How does society invest in marriage in the USA and in Manus?

 

            People in the Manus tribe and the American society invest in marriage, but the investments take place differently and are based on different values and traditions.

            In the Manus tribe, investments are placed on marriages rather than on companies.  If the marriage is healthy, then the investors will gain a profit.  Many times, the relationships and marriages of the Manus are based on the material and the heritage of the tribe rather than a love between the two individuals.  Non-wealthy individuals are often looking for partners to benefit from the income they might receive.  If the relationship is fruitful, then the investors are willing to put more into the investments, but not without a price.  After the betrothal is made, relatives, or investors, provide a payment in the form of a large number of dogs’ teeth and shell money.  Then, at a later date, the recipients on the bride’s side pay the investors back in pigs and oil.  As a result, the investors of the Manus tribe are not willing to back a marriage headed for doom.  They are looking for long lasting, profitable marriages to benefit from.

            The practice in the United States is substantially different.  Although the occasional ‘marriage for money’ approach exists, most marriages are based on one factor, love.  A core to any successful marriage is love and if love is absent, the marriage will be unhealthy and is likely to be on the road to disaster.  There can be some financial benefits to marriage in the United States, such as a combined income or lower taxes.  Often times, married couples are entitled to a greater number of offers, such as better life insurance rates and health care.  But is that really a basis for marriage?  Most couples understand that in order for a marriage to work, love must be found and developed.  Love cannot be purchased with any amount of money.

            In society today, marriage is often a term used for legal connection between two individuals.   Marriage may be constructed on a foundation of material aspects like the Manus tribe or built more upon love as in the United States.  Ultimately, the couple decides how marriage is really defined and what investments must take place. 

 

Question #2 – Interview 10 married people.  State the length and number of each one’s marriages and a line or two of advice from each on how to maintain a long, happy relationship.

 

            Many people have opinions on how to maintain a long, happy relationship and what is required from marriage.  Consider the responses of these chosen individuals:

            Individual #1:  She has been married for 17 years and has been married once.  “A marriage takes a lot of time to become a success.  A strong faith in God is also needed.”

            Individual #2:  He has been married for 17 years and has been married once.  “Marriage requires a lot of sacrifices.  Things you took for granted before may not come as easily now.”

            Individual #3:  She has been married twice, five years for the first marriage and 14 years for the second marriage.  “There must be an understanding between the two.  You can’t do what you want to.”

            Individual #4:  He has been married twice, nine years for the first marriage and 14 years for the second marriage.  “A good love life and a lot of quality time.”

            Individual #5:  She has been married twice, eight years for the first marriage and 55 years for the second marriage.  “A strong belief in the Lord and good family values.”

            Individual #6:  He has been married for 55 years and has been married once.  “Marriage requires a lot of good morals and hard work.”

            Individual #7:  He has been married for seven years and has been married once.  “Wait on the kids and don’t make the wife mad.”

Individual #8:  He has been married for six years and has been married once.  “There has to be quality time for the family.  Your job can’t take up all the time.”

Individual #9:  She has been married for eight years and has been married once.  “It helps to know what the other person wants and quality time is also good.”

Individual #10:  He has been married for eight years and has been married once.  “Marriage is a two person effort.  What you put into it is what you get.”

In conclusion, the majority of the responses shows that individuals in a marriage need quality and an effort of both members of the couple.  It also shows that faith and love in a marriage are essential.

 

Question #3 – According to Richard Eckersley, what should our collective goal be?

 

            As a society based on wealth and power, often the material aspects of life interfere.  Our collective goal as a society and as a nation should be to base the measure of well-being upon human connection and less upon material gain.

            Often times, society tends to look upon the wealthy and powerful as representing  well-being.  Is society forgetting what is really important?  The old saying, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts,” is frequently true, but often never used.  Too often, the dollar has more influence than human emotion and well-being in making decisions for the country and for the people.

            Progress in today’s society is based on the thought that “more is better”.  Such goals as more money and more expansion are replacing values that society once held dear such as strong family values and better respect for human life.  The growth of the nation will not be replaced but should rather be based more upon human emotion and connection than the dollar.

            In conclusion, humanity is becoming more material than ever before.  If we do not focus more on humane ideas, we will lose touch with what really makes us human.

 

Question #4 – Write a worthy goal for your local community.

 

            A worthy goal for my community would be a better understanding and a more loving one between the individuals that make it up.  Interacting and healthy communication is key in a strong community.

            When setting goals for a community, we must understand what “community” means.  Community for me means my family.  Goals for my community are made on a much more personal basis than usual.

            My first goal for my community would be more love in the family.  Our family has always been loving to one another, but we need more.  If we can open up and have better relationships with one another, we can succeed in our goal.

            Second, we need better understanding of each person’s individuality.  We are all different in some respects and must understand that we may not always think alike on all issues.  The age difference between the children and the parents must also be a consideration in the family.  As a child growing up in the 21^st century, my values and outlook on life are somewhat different than my parents’.  To become closer with each other, we must respect these differences and try to understand them as well.

            Finally, healthy communication is key in any community.  My family must be able to put aside time for discussion with each other.  Sharing problems and good times is one way that we, as a family, can become closer.

            In conclusion, a goal for any community is only as good as the effort put into it.  If the goals can be achieved and are worthwhile to the community, everyone can be brought together as a whole.

 

Questions #5 – Comment on the excerpts from “Tomorrow’s Child.”

 

            As a child in the new millennium, many influences and problems will arise in the future.  Whether it be a broken family or a racial conflict, the future holds many challenges as well as new promises ahead for the new generation.

            As our society continues to grow into and to change in the new millennium, new problems as well as existing conflicts will plague our children’s future.  Children in single-parent families are growing up in search of love and human connection.  Industries are exploiting these needs with products that give children short-term comfort, which may worsen the problem.  If we are to combat this problem then we must reach children with human contact and not the material.  Children need long-lasting love and support, not short-term, false comfort.

            Children are also dealing with the conflict of economical and social differences.  The problem of racism is increasing and poverty is spreading.  Tomorrow’s leaders are falling in the ‘drop out’ section of society.  Children of today do not recognize opportunity, and without proper guidance, will fail in the competitive nature of today’s society.  As a result, we must reach out and understand the ambitions of today’s children or doom our own future.

            In conclusion, our future depends on the children of today.  If we do not help close the gap of racism and economic problems they are now facing, how are they supposed to lead in the society of tomorrow?  It is all up to how our current families teach and guide the children so they may succeed in the future.

 

Question #6 – How does the fact the USA is a democracy makes lawyers particularly helpful, according to Kathleen Sullivan?  How does our diversity, wealth and size make lawyers particularly helpful?

 

            In today’s democracy, conflict often arises.  Lawyers are one way these conflicts can be overcome.

            Society often views lawyers as crooked, scheming individuals who lie and cheat people from justice and money.  Behind the lines, though, lawyers are extremely important to help settle conflicts that may arise.  With such diversity among our people in wealth and social status, conflict often appears.  Citizens today are given much more power to use the law to their advantage such as lawsuits.  Lawyers are used to help combat petty lawsuits and work out real problems.  Often times, many cases never reach the courtroom because lawyers help solve the differences in an individual manner.  Lawyers also help control the abuse of many laws used today.  When a certain law or principle is questioned, lawyers are the individuals that challenge these standards.  Lawyers represent individuals that are being “crushed” by the laws.  They use their expertise to help the accused to be given proper justice.

            In conclusion, due to the negativity of the press and other types of media, lawyers are often viewed very poorly.  Understanding that lawyers help “turn-the-wheels” of justice and help combat conflicts can lead to new and more open-minded opinions about lawyers in today’s society.

 

Question #7 – Ms. Sullivan claims bad practices are changed either by regulations or punitive damages.  Which do you prefer and why?  Can you think of an alternative?

 

            In the business world of today, people are expecting more out of company policies than ever before.  New regulations are being made and bad practices are being slowly eliminated due to punitive damages or new business policies.

            New regulations are creating a “wave” in the business world.  Companies are understanding what people want and what they demand.  When one company changes its regulations to meet the demands, the rest of the business world follows.  In order to survive, businesses must be competitive, and a company will not be competitive without consumers.  Businesses know that if standards are not met, consumers will try to correct the problems with a lawsuit.

            Punitive damages are one of the business world’s worse fears.  If one incident occurs, such as a safety hazard, the business can be sued an extra amount because of the bad practice and potential danger to other people.  Businesses try to avoid punitive damages at all costs by enforcing better regulations.  New regulations are a better way to change a company for the better.  If something is not to standard, a consumer will provide a lawsuit.  New regulations are made because punitive damages are sure to follow bad practices.

            In conclusion, businesses are now enforcing more regulations than ever before.  Competing companies are mirroring others to stay ahead of the game.  By avoiding punitive damages and lawsuits, businesses will more likely remain strong and will provide better services for everybody.

 

Question #8 – Briefly describe three ways society would benefit from the coming retirement of baby boomers, according to the required reading.

 

            Society will benefit from the coming retirement of baby boomers by opening a new market for entrepreneurs to exploit, by establishing “gray businesses” made up of older workers, and by benefiting from the years of experience they have had.

            Elderly who stay home provide new opportunities for entrepreneurs in today’s society.  This so-called “entrepreneurial nanny service” helps provide services for the elderly.  Such businesses as home health care, home shopping, and travel and recreation services will come into effect due to new demands for the market.

            Older workers are also able to establish their own businesses.  Known as “gray businesses,” the economy can benefit from their years of experience in today’s growing, competitive society.  By better understanding what people want, the baby boomers can provide services and products that can compete with many of today’s top corporations.

            The baby boomers generation has many years of experience.  Due to their gained knowledge over years of experience in their chosen fields, they can pass on useful insight to young, fresh faces entering the market.  By employing these resources, the new entrepreneurs of today can better prepare for the businesses of tomorrow.

            In conclusion, as the baby boomer generation grows into their elderly years, we must not discount the knowledge they possess.  As we become caretakers of this generation, we can benefit from the experience our elders can provide.

 

Question #9 – Evaluate the likelihood of President Clinton’s anti-poverty program making a real impact.  Give at least three reasons to back up your conclusions.

 

            The likelihood of President Clinton’s anti-poverty programs making an impact can be evaluated by understanding the risks involved, by observing poverty stricken areas, and by evaluating the improvements that have been made.

            Considering help for poverty-stricken areas, companies such as banks do not work well because of the poor risks found in poverty areas.  Without proof of collateral, banks will rarely give a loan to a person in poverty.  Without such loans, poverty stricken areas will remain in financial trouble.

            To truly understand poverty, we must see it for ourselves.  When Lyndon Johnson and Bobby Kennedy visited the Mississippi Delta, they both reported much malnutrition and disease.  Without the impact of observing such communities, our willingness to help is not as strong.

            We must also understand that the problem has decreased.  Since 1993, four million people have been lifted out of poverty.  New jobs are opening up and many companies are hiring poverty stricken individuals.  The economy is running strong and companies are aiming for the un-employed market.  The economy is strong enough now to support a worthwhile anti-poverty program.

            In conclusion, if we are to use an anti-poverty program such as President Clinton’s proposal, we must not remain idle.  If we are not active and do not continue strongly with the program, poverty will remain in today’s society.  I see great hope for society as we become closer and stronger as a whole.  Bill Clinton’s anti-poverty program is a step in the right direction, but much more is need to correct the problem that is plaguing our nation.

 

Question #10 – Name three things Truett Cathy and Tom Lewis have in common.

 

            Truett Cathy and Tom Lewis are commonly referred to as model Americans.  They have introduced effective new ideas to the communities where they live.  These ideas have been beneficial to many people.

            In comparing Cathy and Lewis, we must consider their innovative spirit.  Cathy started his own chicken fillet sandwich business, called Chick-fil-A, from a business normally selling hamburgers only.  Lewis created a separate school for children desperately in need of a quality education.  He has provided hands-on learning as well as traditional teaching.

            Cathy and Lewis both have much strength of character.  Cathy believed he could bring something new and innovative to the fast-food market.  His hard work has led the way to a successful and profitable type of chicken sandwich.  Lewis was determined to provide a better education for children in his area.  He created a school out of one of his old homes and helps students all around his neighborhood.

            Cathy and Lewis have also experienced many hardships.  Cathy started out with a business with one of his brothers.  Unfortunately, his brothers were killed in a plane crash a short while later.  He also witnessed one of his restaurants burn down.  Lewis took much criticism due to the bad location of his school.  Many bad influences were just blocks away.

            In conclusion, Truett Cathy and Tom Lewis are seen as innovators in applying the respected American values of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  These men have overcome the odds and provided many people with quality products and service.