Young People in California Reap Tremendous Benefits While Serving the Community Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism "Spotlight" Honors San Diego Teen Volunteer Oakland, California — November 06, 2002 — The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism (GO SERV) announced its newest Spotlight recipient this week, Annie Le. Le is a senior at Junipero Serra High School and has accumulated over 600 hours of volunteer time since entering high school. The Governor’s Office "spotlight" award selects a person who has contributed outstanding service from nominations received throughout the state. "This award highlights the power young people have to make positive change in their communities," said Debbie Genzer, Executive Director of Youth Service California (YSCAL), a nonprofit agency focused on promoting youth service and service learning. The honoree’s (Le) contributions included launching a governor’s project entitled "Future Kits," in which boxes of school supplies will be sent to Mexican children in December, as well as tutoring for local school children. "In addition to improving our communities, service can profoundly impact our young people in positive ways, " according to Genzer. "From improving their academic performance, to giving them a greater awareness of community issues, to building our next generation of civic leaders, service is a powerful experience." YSCAL works with local agencies, community-based organizations, policymakers and institutions of higher education to promote service and service learning programs throughout the state. It also collects and disseminates news and studies on service. For example: Youth who volunteer are three times more likely to volunteer as adults. (Independent Sector/Gallup, 1996) A study by UCLA showed that youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote, and be philanthropic. (UCLA/Higher Education Research Institute, 1991) Search Institute’s study showed youth who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in destructive behavior. (Search Institute, 1995). About the GoServ Spotlight The GO SERV Spotlight is a weekly recognition program, honoring community service organizations or individuals involved in community service. Spotlight nomination forms, as well as other volunteer opportunities, are also available on GO SERV’s website. If you or someone you know would like to give back to your community, visit GO SERV’s Volunteer Here at www.goserv.ca.gov to find out how you can make a difference in your community. About Youth Service California Based in Oakland, California, Youth Service California (YSCAL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making community service part of each young person’s life in California. A pioneer of the youth service movement, YSCAL believes youth service strengthens communities and develops healthy, civic-minded young people. Since 1990 YSCAL has provided resources for policy makers, service organizations, press and educators to increase and enhance youth service activity in California. www.yscal.org.
Youth Service California - P.O. Box 70764 Oakland, CA 94612 - phone (510) 302-0550 - fax (510) 302-0551 - info@yscal.org