There are many reasons why young people choose to volunteer their time to help a cause or contribute to their communities. Drawing on Student Volunteer Week’s motto ‘Give. Grow. Connect’, through giving, young people can benefit from personal growth and social connection.

And while we thank students for their incredible efforts, it is important to acknowledge the significance of their impact. Young people represent the future of our world. Without their concern, care and compassion turned into action, we cannot create real, lasting change.

Here’s why students are arguably our world’s most powerful changemakers.

Their impact will be self-serving in the future

The issues at large today are the issues that will impact our future generations the most. We are seeing the effects of climate change as extreme weather events and natural disasters become widespread. Indigenous, LGBQTI, disabled and multi-cultural communities, to name a few – are fighting to be heard more reverently by the wider population.

Many more important issues exist and perhaps some are yet to emerge, and young people are at the helm of change, accepting the reality and championing a better future.

Their drive for social connection drives social change

In one study from the Victoria University of Wellington, researchers found that social connectedness provides young people with a substantial basis for feeling positive about themselves and their future.

Whether students are volunteering their time once or regularly, for their local community or a widespread cause, the social connections made while volunteering have a validating effect on personal self-esteem and confidence.

When we feel good in ourselves, we can help others, creating a magical cycle. Volunteering pulls people into social connectedness which then pushes out social change.

Their developing brains incite the need for change faster

Young people behave, solve problems and make decisions differently to adults because biologically, their brains are still developing. Many studies have shown that young people 'think with their feelings’. It’s these very deep emotions that can act as the impetus for change.

If young people are educated about real-world matters and guided to channel their strong emotions from destructiveness to productiveness, the world can experience great change, fast. As adults, it’s our job to have worldly conversations and empower our young people to act generously, in whatever ways speak to their hearts.

What will you do to acknowledge student volunteer efforts this week?

Why not have a conversation with a young person about what giving means to each of you, and set an intention to give some of your time to a meaningful cause by browsing volunteer opportunities in your area.