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Part of being an adult is developing your own set of values and priorities—separate from your parents. How you do it (and how long it takes) is up to you. But one easy way to give yourself a real-world education while giving back and being a leader in your community is through community service. You're young, you've got (some) energy, and you’re ready. Here are eight ways to get focused on giving back—no matter what you're into or how much free time you have.
Do a river cleanup
Website: americanrivers.org
Time commitment: 1-3 hours; 3-4 hours additional prep if you're organizing
The body of water that provides the very H20 you drink probably has trash floating in it right now. Appetizing, right? If you're short on time, there are plenty of cleanups already scheduled for an hour or two, usually on the weekend. Nothing nearby? American Rivers will help you organize a cleanup in your area with a handy step-by-step manual—and they'll even send you trash bags.
How to do it: Find river cleanups in your area on the American Rivers map, or organize one here.
Help out a national park
Website: nps.gov
Time commitment: Varies based on the project and park
There are nearly 400 national parks in the U.S., so it's highly likely that there's one by you. And the parks have seen massive budget cuts since the economy soured. Do-gooders can help with a long list of projects, from maintaining trails to aiding park patrols and giving lectures in full-period costume (you know you want to!). If you only like the great outdoors in theory, there are deskbound opportunities as well, from lending a hand with the park's website to answering questions at the visitors' center.
How to do it: The National Park Service has a quick tool that searches for parks in your area and then connects you to the right info on that park.
Create a playground in your area
Website: kaboom.org
Time commitment: About six hours for playground build volunteers; a year of planning as a project leader.
The nonprofit KaBOOM! hopes to construct a play area within walking distance for every kid in America, and leads nearly 200 playground builds a year. Believe it or not, the entire thing goes up in a day, and there's no need for construction know-how: Volunteers can help haul, paint, and piece together equipment. If you're feeling ambitious, the company will help you lead a build, with instructions on fundraising, planning, and getting the media involved.
How to do it: KaBOOM! lists builds by area, which you can search by state.
Coach a sport at your local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club of America
Website: ymca.org; bgca.org
Time commitment: Varies depending on the sport and job
Even if the only hardware you ever won was the time-honored "Most Improved" trophy, your mediocre skills are still needed: According to the CDC, in 2010 more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Kids from low-income families rely on services like the Y the most, and also tend to suffer from obesity much more often. If "head coach" isn't in your plan, there are other ways to help out, from fundraising to equipment management.
How to do it: Find an area YMCA here and a Boys & Girls Club here. Many of them list the volunteer tasks they need on the local websites, along with contact information.
Check out your local animal shelter
Website: aspca.org
Time commitment: Varies by job: can be as little as an hour a month, or as much as several hours daily.
Most need as much help as they can get with basic care like dog walking and feeding. You may even be able to play foster parent to a pet in need. If you're an animal-lover from afar, admin tasks range from stuffing envelopes to filing paperwork.
How to do it: The ASPCA has a searchable database of shelters on its website. Call your local one and ask which services they need.
Be a mentor
Website: bbbs.org
Time commitment: Several hours a month, on an ongoing basis
You've heard of Big Brothers Big Sisters, perhaps the most famous mentoring program of all. But even this wildly successful nonprofit is hurting for some Big Brothers: According to BBBS, more than 70 percent of the kids in need are boys, but only 30 percent of volunteers are men.
How to do it: Fill out an online application here.
Be an e-mentor
Website: icouldbe.org
Time commitment: One hour a week for at least one school year
Icouldbe is entirely online, and focuses on giving older kids help with things like writing resumes, setting academic goals, and financial planning. It's stuff you know already, and it's all done over an intranet from the school. In short, you'll be able to make a difference in one lucky teen's future, without getting off the couch.
How to do it: Register and find out more on the icouldbe website.
Do more research
Website: VolunteerMatch.org; AllforGood.org
These websites match your interests, skills and available time with potential projects in your area. There's no way you won't find something that's a great fit for you—we found a listing for those who want to "channel their inner pirate" and another for Mulchfest 2014. Let's just say they've got you covered.
Advertisers on Complex Media are not involved with the selection of Not For Profit organizations or requests for donations from these organizations. Advertising on Complex Media does not imply endorsement of any Not For Profit organizations.
