Community Service 101: Easy Ways to Get Involved in Your Community Today

Time to give back.

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Part of being an adult is developing your own set of values and priorities—separate from your parents. How you do it (and how long it takes) is up to you. But one easy way to give yourself a real-world education while giving back and being a leader in your community is through community service. You're young, you've got (some) energy, and you’re ready. Here are eight ways to get focused on giving back—no matter what you're into or how much free time you have.

Do a river cleanup

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Website: americanrivers.org
Time commitment: 1-3 hours; 3-4 hours additional prep if you're organizing

The body of water that provides the very H20 you drink probably has trash floating in it right now. Appetizing, right? If you're short on time, there are plenty of cleanups already scheduled for an hour or two, usually on the weekend. Nothing nearby? American Rivers will help you organize a cleanup in your area with a handy step-by-step manual—and they'll even send you trash bags.

How to do it: Find river cleanups in your area on the American Rivers map, or organize one here.

Help out a national park

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Create a playground in your area

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Coach a sport at your local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club of America

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Check out your local animal shelter

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Be a mentor

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Be an e-mentor

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Do more research

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