If you watch ABC, you may notice your favorite characters volunteering during their storylines this week. It’s part of ABC’s push toward “a better community” through giving back.

There are lots of destinations that lend themselves best to student volunteering around the country. National parks offer cleanup and maintenance opportunities that bring you close to nature. Zoos, wildlife preserves, humane societies, and other organizations let you volunteer with animals. And there are any number of habitats for humanity and Red Cross projects  grateful for the extra help from teens. These tours can be exciting because you can bookend the volunteering with fun theme parks or other popular sites.

But ABC and other volunteer organizations are hoping to get the word out that there are many volunteer opportunities right where you live. Before raising the travel money for Yellowstone, why not call your own Parks and Recreation department? I’m sure they could put a group of teens to work. Though volunteering tends to be its own reward, you’ll sometimes find other benefits when you get in touch with community leaders. My friends and I once cleared a cemetery of fallen acorns then took them to the conservation department for cash. It helped us raise money for other projects we were working toward.

Besides working with nature, many organizations provide help to your peers and neighbors through their various services. You can probably find a local chapter of the Red Cross or even a Habitat for Humanity home in your area. Check around and you may also find ways to help homes for battered women and children, youth in foster care, or a food depot.

Remember that we are all connected, and when we help each other, we really do help ourselves. Open your eyes to the community around you. Listen for the needs that might be right next door. And start volunteering now to begin a lifetime of giving back.

Photo by laura.ouimette on Flickr