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 Lindsay Beardall | Overland Park, KansasA “happy accident” motivated Lindsay Beardall to volunteer in her community. During a summer when her three brothers all had daytime activities, she was the “odd duck out” until she and her mom came across the Youth Volunteer Corps website. “I was scared before I went on my first project because I didn’t know anyone, but once I went I loved it,” she says. “I like having an impact and how good that makes you feel.” Lindsay encourages others to volunteer, recruiting her brothers and re-establishing a service club at Shawnee Mission South with her friend, Heidi Fogle. The young women found a faculty sponsor, determined objectives and organized SHOC, South Helping Our Community. Serving as co-presidents, the two seniors have planned various activities, including a day-long project at the Kansas City Rescue Mission. Lindsay also works part-time. This summer, Lindsay was one of three students who traveled to Topeka to speak before the Kansas Volunteer Commission about youth volunteerism. “I walked in and there was a whole round table with all the commissioners, about 10 or 15 people. It was kind of intimidating and overwhelming, but I got more comfortable as we talked,” she says. “It was really cool.” She particularly enjoyed one of her first projects, recording live interviews with seniors at the Don Bosco Center. “Other than my grandparents I had never really talked in-depth with seniors,” she says. “I loved hearing about how they grew up and how they lived. It gave me a different perspective.” “You know,” she continues, “your community gives a lot to you. You should help make your community a better place for everyone.”
 Jeromie Allen | Stewartsville, MissouriAttending a small high school meant that Jeromie Allen got involved in everything. Now a freshman at the University of Missouri, he’s continuing that pattern, currently serving as state president of the National FFA Organization. “I can really relate my experiences in the FFA to real life,” he says. “It’s a great organization and a big reason that I got to where I am.” Jeromie is planning to major in agribusiness management, minor in agricultural economics and then attend Besides his FFA activities, Jeromie volunteered at Heartland Health System, the Senior Good Life Games and was the chief umpire of the local baseball association. “I was surprised at how fun the Good Life Games were,” he says. “I talked to one farmer about the FFA; his son and grandson had both been members. It proved to me that you always have something in common with people.” Jeromie feels so strongly about volunteerism that he believes at least 40 hours of service should be mandatory for all high school students. He’s written papers and delivered speeches on the subject. “That’s only 10 hours a year over four years,” he says. “Helping out in the community is awesome. You don’t realize how much is done to keep the community running until you get involved,” says the native of Stewartsville, which is in Clinton County about an hour north of Kansas City. “One thing I really believe is that everyone can make a difference.”
 Craig Alejos | Topeka, KansasCraig Alejos definitely has a healthy interest in community service. In 2004, the recent graduate of Seaman High School in Topeka helped organize a “Pedometerthon,” a one-night event featuring exercise, giveaways and health and nutritional information. Inspired by success and motivated by detailed research, Craig organized monthly “Family Fun Nights.” The goal was to encourage families—not simply students—to eat right, exercise and spend time together. As a member and co-chair of the district health committee, he worked with physical education teachers, nurses, food service directors and administrators to educate students about the importance of healthy eating habits and physical activity. So far, more than 2,000 students, parents, grandparents, faculty and staff have attended the Family Fun Night events. “It was amazing,” says Craig, who graduated in May. “I can’t even tell you how much I learned.” Craig has presented his project at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership meeting in San Diego, the Division of Adolescent and School Health Funded Partners Meeting in Washington, D.C., and the 2006 Kansas Nutrition Council Conference. He also presented to project officers from the Centers for Disease Con-trol. The Volunteer Center of Topeka presented him with the 2006 VAL Award for outstanding service. While he loves volunteering, music is his passion. He has enlisted in the Navy to be able to pay for college. “My goal is to teach high school and college music,” he says. “I believe that God wants me to be a leader in music.” |
Getting Kids to Get Involved At opposite ends of the parental spectrum, Abbey Bavley and Dan Stalp share remarkably similar opinions about how to get young people involved in volunteering. “Make ‘em,” says Abbey, 17. Her family took turns making and serving dinner with other families at an area shelter. Dan, father of four children ranging from 6 to 13 years old, says he has a motto: “Never leave home without one.” Here’s some more advice to consider when you’re encouraging community involvement with your children:
Facts About Kids Getting Involved
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