Volunteering By Youth Reaches Record Levels (NAPSA)—And now for the good news—despite global unrest, young people remain dedicated to makinga difference in the world. Nearly 80 percent of the 9,891 youth who responded to a volunteering survey conducted by the PBS Kids show ZOOM, said that they volunteer in their communities. Highlighting the importanceof starting to volunteer young, a study conducted by the Independent Sector and Youth Service America revealed that two-thirds of adult volunteers began volunteering their time when they were young. The study also showed that volunteering among high school students recently reached the highest levels in the past 50 years. An entry point for many young people will be the 15th Annual National Youth Service Day, April 11 to 138. Young people across America will address important community needs through service-learning projects focusing on literacy, hunger, public safety, youth voice, healthcare, and the environment. State Farm Companies Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor of National Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world. Other sponsors include AT&T and Verizon. Youth in over 150 countries will band together with their U.S. peers as part of Global Youth Service Day, which takes place concurrently thanks to the GM Foundation. “As our greatest national asset, it is only fitting that young people in America play a lead role in learning about community needs, while giving their time, energy, A PROGRAMOF YOUTH SERVICE =AMERICA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARA The 15th Annual National Youth Service Day will offer young people a chance to make a difference. commitment, and experience,” said Steve Culbertson, president and CEO of Youth Service America. “Millions of young people serving together creates a tidal wave of good and sends a powerful message of hope and healing around theglobe.” For more information about National Youth Service Day or to find an opportunity to volunteer, visit www.SERVEnet.org. “ZOOM Survey” results, compiled by the Michael Cohen Group, will be available at the “ZOOMInto Action”section of the ZOOM Web site, pbskids.org/ zoom/action. Here, kids can find resources to help them get started volunteering and submit their volunteer stories to be highlighted on the show. ZOOM’s new season premieres in April.
