Peace Corps, Big Brothers & Sisters, Habitat for Humanity®: when one thinks of giving back to others and participating in service, one’s mind easily turns to these recognizable organizations. While these three organizations might be some of the most famous ways to serve others, they might not be the right fit for you. If you have ever thought about dedicating your time to others—either domestically or abroad— here are 3 alternative programs like Habitat for Humanity® that might pique your interest.

Americorps: Over the past 21 years, this government sponsored has had over 900,000 members contribute 1.2 billion service hours across the United States. With a variety of different programs including the FEMA Corp, NCCC, and Vista, if have the itch to serve, Americorps can find a niche for you. From building homes to helping with disaster relief to even assisting local schools and non-profits with more administrative duties, the variety of experiences you might have in Americorps are just as varied as the participants themselves. Programs for Americorps range anywhere from a few weeks to a whole year and provide an education stipend or cash payment at the end of your service to help you adjust back to the “real world”. Though you have to be at least 18 to serve, an Americorps program is perfect for someone looking to help find themselves, pay for college, or just wants to give back to their country.

Global Leadership Adventures: Building greenhouses and other construction projects are the basis of service on GLA’s Peru: Service in the Sacred Valley program, and is certainly an opportunity to use your hands to build something that benefits the local community in a meaningful way, just like a teen in Habitat for Humanity® would. Programs span the world and range in length from 10 to 21 days, including a 21-day flagship program in the Dominican Republic that allows you to explore sustainable development issues in a hands-on fashion. GLA gives participants the unique opportunity to explore complex social issues, make a positive impact in the lives of others, and get the chance to participate in hands on activities that often unlock newfound passions—all while in high school. With over 97% of alumni agreeing that GLA was a life changing experience, you are sure to have a fulfilling adventure no matter where you decide to serve.

Alternative Break: If topics such as addressing homelessness and structural racism in Baltimore and social development in Rwanda are up your alley, then an alternative break program might be your best ticket to service success. With an endless amount of trips sponsored through universities around the country that run during college winter, spring, and summer breaks, these trips are meant to promote greater understanding of social issues both domestically and abroad, provide a platform for advocacy upon your return, and turn what might be stereotypically categorized as a time to party with friends as a means to give back. Though the costs, length, and options vary from university to university, a quick e-mail to your school’s community service center or study abroad office might yield fruitful returns for an upcoming break.

Just remember, in the end it doesn’t matter where you serve or what you do during your service, or whether you’re a Habitat for Humanity® teen or a GLA student; it’s the motivation to participate in selfless service that is the most important factor to giving back.

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Contributed by Matt Zonis

Have you ever heard of a summer volunteer program for high schoolers where you learn to surf? Well, you can do just that on GLA’s newly updated version of its Costa Rica: Sports Service Adventure program. And I’m not talking about just grabbing a surfboard and trying to learn on your own. At this teen surf program, you’re trained by professional surfers with an eye for waves and a lot of experience working with everyone from first-timers to near-experts. But watch out: you may get schooled on your first day on the waves.

But don’t be afraid! By the time all is said and done, you’ll be standing up and following through on the board like the new pro you are.

During this volunteer/immersion and Costa Rica surf camp combination program, you’ll spend some time helping the local children by teaching them your favorite games, like beach volleyball. You’ll be working on projects with a direct impact on the community, and the surfing is something you’ll learn to appreciate in the context of how locals depend on it for tourism.

How cool is that? They always say teaching others is the best way to learn! And understanding the issues facing the surrounding community will help you to value the ocean and its meaning to those who live by it.

Why not challenge yourself on a program that gives you a chance to show your sportsmanship, learn leadership skills and encourage others to work to improve the environment?

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Contributed by William Pate

The people:

• Avital Maeir-Epstein, 16 and Israeli
• Muhammad Murtada Shweiki, 15 and Palestinian

The place:

• Jerusalem International YMCA in West Jerusalem

The activity:

• Singing

The feat:

• Singing together, in a choir

This past summer, the New York Times featured these two teens in an article about unity in a time of escalating violence. Through all this violence, one of the few places to remain safe and, in fact, designed to facilitate mutual understanding and empathy, was their choir meeting space.

What Maier-Epstein and Shweiki did there was much more than sing. Along with other students and organizers, they contributed to dialogue sessions designed to allow conversation about differences, instead of just glossing them over or placating them with standard prepared remarks.

25-year-old American Micah Hendler founded the youth chorus, and has been instrumental in its success. When we think about how an American from thousands of miles away – and even more importantly, worlds away from these kids’ upbringings and day-to-day lives – contributed to a new era of cooperation between these teens, it’s understandable to be awed. It may be a small feat in the scope of the Israel-Palestine conflict, but in the lives of these young people, it is so much more.

Like our mission at GLA, which is to inspire the next generation of teens to change the world and their role in it, being the change isn’t just about big victories, but small ones. And when fomenting change, the small ones matter most.

“Go ask your mother.” It’s a phrase many teens may hear from their fathers when it comes to asking for something they want. Sometimes, the answer from mom is a quick no. If you’re ready to start winning arguments and getting more of what you want, for good, follow these simple tips.

Show Your Evidence

If you really want to persuade your parents, you’re going to have to present some cold hard facts. It’s likely that they’ll want complete information about what you’re trying to persuade them of. Do your homework and be ready to give it to them during your argument.

Be Confident

Confidence is key. If you really want something, show it with confidence. We suggest talking slowly and calmly and recommend planning out your argument before you talk to your parents.

Stay On Topic

State your case and stay on topic throughout your entire argument. Don’t bring up circumstances where they have said “yes” before or if they’ve allowed one of your brothers or sisters to do something similar in the past. Keep on point and don’t get distracted.

Be Calm

If the first thing that your parents say is no, you’re probably not feeling calm on the inside. However, to best win an argument you must stay calm. You’re not going to win an argument by shouting.

Listen

Part of winning an argument is being a respectful listener. Even if you don’t agree with your parents reasoning, be respectful and let them share their own thoughts before you continue to share yours.

Test Out Your Argument

Before you take your argument to your parents, test it out on your friends or even your siblings to see if they notice any holes in it. They can give you feedback and pose questions for your to answer similar to what your parents may ask.

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Contributed by Lauren Topor

Having to wear eyeglasses can be a source of shame for teens. Most of my high school friends made the switch to contacts years ago, so they could avoid wearing their glasses. Even though most could make the switch, it didn’t address a deeper issue: they lacked confidence in their appearance.

The moral for all of us—both with and without glasses—was that what we really wanted was to feel comfortable as we are. Turns out that’s way more attractive.

In line with feeling comfortable just the way you are, we present you with 5 Reasons Teens with Eyeglasses Should Wear Them Proudly:

1. Glasses distinguish you
2. Glasses are stylish
3. Glasses add to your variety of looks
4. Contacts can be a hassle
5. Genuine confidence is everything

 

Glasses distinguish you

There are many ways you can stand out as a teen, and glasses are one way to do so. Although, body armor and camo as well as a beard also gets the job done.

Glasses are stylish

These aren’t your grand pappy’s spectacles!

Glasses add to your variety of looks

Most of us have a variety of shoes that we wear depending on the occasion. Similarly, eye glasses allow you to choose from a number of styles that you can change based on the current fashion trends, season, or occasion.

It’s not that you don’t look good in glasses—you just haven’t found the right pair.

Contacts can be a hassle

How many times have you heard of someone losing their contacts? It can happen to the best of us. If you misplace your glasses, you don’t have to search for what can feel like forever.

You may not also know that contacts can be irritating to put on and take off.

It simply doesn’t look pretty when things go wrong (no need for a picture here).

Genuine confidence is everything

It doesn’t matter how cool other people think your glasses are if you don’t also believe that you look good. And it might be helpful to know there’s always someone out there that finds exactly how you look right now attractive.

It’s a cliché but if you want a more down-to-earth perspective, consider this:

Most people are more confident when they can see clearly and don’t have headaches 🙂

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Contributed by Nick Fochtman