Use Your Spark as a Catalyst for GYSD
Giving back to help others feels good. Giving back while also doing something you’re passionate about feels even better. Finding your passions, talents, or interests - or ‘sparks’ - and connecting it with a volunteer project can catalyze meaningful, impactful service. Search Institute research shows that kids who thrive have two important supports: knowledge of what their sparks are and adults who support the development of those sparks. Common passions include:
- Creative Arts (music, art, writing, dance, cooking)
- Sports (football, track and field, golf, ice skating)
- Learning (languages, science, math)
- Reading
- Spirituality, religion
- Nature, the environment
- Animal welfare (pets or wild animals)
- Tutoring/mentoring younger children
To identify your spark and use it to fuel your GYSD project planning, download YSA’s Mission Planning Guide. www.YSA.org/mission
Need some more inspiration? Read about how Teagan is using his passion for music to combat cancer and how Grace is inspiring non-violence advocacy through her love of karate. www.YSA.org/blog
