Episode 16: Untapped Volunteer Resources: An Interview with Summer Neiss, K Kids Student Coordinator

Do we assume that engaging kids 9-12 is too much effort for the return on our investment? Are we missing an untapped volunteer potential? In this episode, Summer Neiss, student coordinator for the K Kids program at Mabel Rush Elementary school shares the passions, motivations, and untapped potential of youth volunteers. Summer discusses the upsides such as attracting the kids' parents or guardians, thinking out of the box and cultivating future volunteers. Points she shares are:Kids are natural helpers from toddler on.Kids who volunteer are highly motivated.Just like adult volunteers, kids are sustained by impact.Kids are socially motivated.Today's kids are aware of the world.Kids have big ideas and love to brainstorm.Summer also shares her thoughts on bettering volunteer programs for kids such as:Where to find organizations to partner with.Why conversations about volunteer partnering are necessary.How kids' parents or guardians would get involved.How little things can make big impact.How community good will is involved. For more information on K Kids visit: https://www.kiwaniskids.org/