In today's world, people are often so busy that there is just no time to commit to one of the most rewarding acts of human kindness. Young adults also find themselves tied up in school and peer related activities. The internet, cell phones and video games now take up a tremendous amount of time for teenagers. Nonetheless, young people should consider volunteering as a way to give back and get closely involved with their own community.

Volunteering is working without pay, usually for a non-profit organization, and it has many benefits to both the giver and the receiver. In particular, young people ages 16-25 stand to gain a great degree of personal fulfilment in their lives doing charity work.

There is a wide range of choices when it comes to volunteering, so teens can easily choose something that genuinely interests them. Voluntary work can help young people learn new skills and provide career opportunities that may not have been previously considered. For instance, by working with terminally ill patients, one might consider becoming a doctor or a nurse. By working for an animal rescue group, one might determine the possibility of working in an animal related field such as veterinary medicine or animal science. Being exposed to these new possibilities also raises the ceiling on someone's preconceived notions about their own limitations.

For youth that are considered at risk, especially if they are otherwise disadvantaged in a socioeconomic way, it is an excellent opportunity to really see what the world has to offer them. There are many things that a young person can take part in, such as rehabilitating an abused dog and receiving love in return or helping restore the home of a family who lost everything to a hurricane. Also, feeding people when they would not otherwise have anything to eat goes a long way towards putting a sense of confidence in one's own abilities. It creates tremendous opportunity to excel in life, and it's something that anyone can do. These things teach that everyone has a personal responsibility for the world around them, and by remaining actively involved in it can help make it a better place. It's also a great way to develop interpersonal and leadership skills in the work force, and looks excellent on a college application.

On a more personal level, it's a great way to develop a stronger sense of empathy for the lives of other people and for animals in need. It can also be a way learn how to show kindness and respect for people from all walks of life. As a whole, volunteering is a way to enrich your own life, and the lives of others while learning one of the most important aspects of humanity, selflessness.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to charity work, and some of the best resources are available online for finding the right job that is a perfect fit. Another great place to find ideas for voluntary work is the local Chamber of Commerce, which often has great ideas about what the community is in need of most. By giving of oneself, the reward received is far greater than anything that money can buy. It's the act of participating in creating a better world for everyone, and it is a lesson that will last well into adulthood.