More Volunteering Ideas for Teens

Volunteering is a powerful way for teens to try something different that benefits them and their community. Whether it’s building a house, teaching a younger student, or cleaning up a local park, volunteering opens doors to new experiences and perspectives. This worthy endeavor isn’t just about helping others — it’s about growing as a person and feeling a sense of accomplishment. With any of these volunteering ideas, you’ll develop valuable life skills like empathy, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Most importantly, these volunteering ideas help you connect with your communities and make a positive impact on the world around you while fostering your sense of social responsibility and even a lifelong passion for service.

Additionally, many schools require students to achieve a certain number of service hours. If your teen is looking for volunteering ideas, here are some more great places to start.

Advocacy for a Cause

1. Bikes Not Bombs. This organization reclaims thousands of bikes annually, using them as a vehicle for social change. Bikes Not Bombs powers local and global programs that create jobs and develop skills while providing sustainable transportation and empowering youth and adults to lead community transformation. Teens aged 14-18 can apply to become a youth apprentice. In this program, you attend financial, professional development, and career exploration workshops. You’ll learn and teach basic bike mechanics, collect and inventory donated bikes, refurbish bikes, and more. Visit the website for more information.

2. Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). GLAD works regionally and nationally through strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and education to achieve a just society free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status. Volunteers answer helpline calls and emails and assist at GLAD Law events. No age restrictions were provided. Check the website for more information.

3. Groundwork Somerville. Since 2000, this organization has been fostering a healthy community by addressing the intersection of environmental, economic, social, and racial inequities through youth empowerment, urban farming, equitable food access, and community engagement. Volunteers can help out at the South St. Farm or with school gardens, on the Green Team, and more. No age requirements are listed, so visit the website for more information.

Health

4. Bina Farm Center. This nonprofit organization has an inclusive mission to unite people of all ages and abilities, including those with and without disabilities. It offers a variety of therapeutic, clinical, and recreational programs using equine-assisted services, gardening, and vocational opportunities to foster personal growth. Teens aged 14 and above may volunteer, provided they can work independently with minimal supervision. Visit the website for more information.

5. Families for Depression Awareness. This national nonprofit is dedicated to helping families understand and manage depressive disorders, achieve wellness, and prevent suicide. Its Teen Speakers Program offers young adults (ages 14-24) the chance to share their experiences with depression or bipolar disorder in schools and communities. These presentations encourage help-seeking, dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and develop speakers’ confidence and public speaking skills. Teens aged 13 and older can join the Teen Instagram Committee, while those aged 14 and older can become a Peer Storyteller. Visit the website for other opportunities and more information.

6. Waltham YMCA. This organization strengthens the community by fostering the health of individuals in spirit, mind, and body. Volunteers can help with the mobile market food truck, host a family, assist with birthday parties and childcare, and other activities. No age restrictions were provided. Check the website for more information.

People with Disabilities

7. Ironstone Farm. This nonprofit affiliate of Challenge Unlimited offers therapeutic, educational, and recreational programs using farm resources to improve the quality of life for participants. The licensed therapists provide specialized physical and occupational therapy services for clients as young as two years old. Volunteers aged 13 and older can participate in the feeding program, the working student program, and the apprentice program, meet and greet clients in the Welcome Center, and assist with special events. Check the website for more information.

8. Special Needs Art Programs (SNAP). SNAP offers recreational opportunities in art and music for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization celebrates everyone’s unique talents, cultivates creative expression, and breaks down barriers between typically-abled and disabled individuals. Middle school students, teens, and adults can volunteer to support the music and art directors, art instructors, and more. Visit the website for more information.

9. Triangle-Epic Service Warriors. Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) is a program for youth ages 16-23 with disabilities. Participants meet for a year and engage in various community service projects, learning about their local communities and creating positive change. The program also includes workshops designed to develop leadership skills. Topics include disability history, resume building, political literacy, public speaking, and teamwork. Visit the website for more information.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services