Why not start early? How to get kids started in service:

In volunteering it’s all about the three C’s of compassion, caring and community. However, a fourth, and often-neglected ‘C’ could be the most valuable: children.

Research has shown that a positive volunteer experience when young will increase the likelihood of that individual continuing engagement as an adult. With the right approach, young people can directly benefit any nonprofit organization. For the youth willing to contribute their energy, proficiency with technology (including social media), and fresh ideas, the benefits their service are numerous.

Here are some ideas for getting children more involved in service:

• Focus on service learning:
• School groups or classes can volunteer together under the direct supervision of a teacher or adult. This can involve conducting an enrichment activity through student-led clubs for those with specific skill-sets, e.g. band members providing instrument lessons for the disabled, educating a retirement community about smartphones, or peer-to-peer groups focusing on anti-bullying techniques.
• Established youth organizations can offer a service project they complete as a unit/troop/team, under the supervision of the adult group leader. 
• Get the whole family involved.  Families can volunteer as a multi-generational unit, with parent involvement.  This works great on tasks like making crafts, creating artistic performances, preparing food (just no knives for the kids!), painting, cleaning, and other group activities that accommodate varying skill levels.
• Create a place for "helpers." Have certain duties set aside during community service projects in which kids can act as helpers.  At a food bank, "helpers" might include greeters at the door as volunteers or clients sign in.  In a nonprofit office, "helpers" can assist office workers by shredding paper, organizing desks, or picking up after activities.  Get creative and find roles that directly connect to someone else's role so that the child has some direct supervision.

Based on their skills and interests, children can be lend a hand on many projects. Empowering youth volunteers in social work and direct service is exactly what Craig Kielburger, founder of Free the Children, has set out to do. Kielburger was just 12 years old when he took action against child labor and exploitation in Pakistan. Now 30, he is an author and global activist for the rights of children. Check out this interview he did in 2010 in which he discusses the potential that every child can harness:

Are there opportunities for young individuals to contribute to your program?

This article was written by Cody Cibart, AmeriCorps VIP Statewide Leader at CalSERVES.