Youth service
Youth servicerefers to non-military, intensive engagement of young people in organized activity that contributes to the local, national, or world community. Youth service is widely recognized and valued by society, with minimal or no compensation to the server. Youth service also provides opportunities foryouth development,youth voiceandreflection.This may take the form of ayouth programwhere young people are recruited, offered leadership opportunities, participate in activities that improve the community, and are trained and mentored.
Definitions[edit]
The general definition ofcommunity servicedoes not vary; however, the understanding of whatyouthis varies by country. The most common age group defined as ‘youth’ is 15-30 years of age. The United Nations defines youth as 15-24 years of age. The variation of whether or not youth service is "long range" depends on the setting. Some communities regard long-range youth service as being from six months to two years of service; however, this time range can vary with each country’s national youth service policy.
Configurations[edit]
There are various types of youth service programs worldwide.Servicio SocialinMexicois a required community service program for all Mexican university students. Students must serve 480 hours of voluntary activity over the course of a four-year undergraduate education. The goal is to build solidarity among youths and increase collaboration in community development.[1]The National Youth Commission inSouth Africais a national youth service program and government-sponsored national youth service program that enlists youth in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS and in reducing youth unemployment.[2]Servicio PaísinChileis a competitive selectioncivil serviceprogram for university graduates with the goal of decreasingrural poverty.Select professions are recruited to the program such as lawyers, engineers, and medical professionals. If chosen, graduates serve 13 months in a rural area. They practice their professions and also build relationships with local people. Other programs includeServicio País,YouthBuild USAandCity Year.
See also[edit]
- Service learning
- Volunteering
- National service
- AmeriCorps
- Global Youth Action Network
- Youth Service America
- One World Youth Project
- buildon
- Katimavik
References[edit]
- ^Servicio Social (In Spanish).Retrieved 4/26/09.
- ^National Youth Commission.Retrieved 4/26/09.