Relationships, empathy, and service to others—these are core values at the heart of Daily Work, and volunteering is one way to put them into practice. Volunteering not only opens our eyes to the needs around us, but it also reveals the privileges we carry, and the ways we can use them to create a more just and inclusive community.
Often, people begin volunteering through a school requirement or community service project. But what if these values were introduced earlier, guiding children to see themselves as active contributors to their communities from the start?
At Daily Work, we believe that meaningful change happens through relationship-based action, and that includes young people. Here are five reasons kids should start volunteering early and how it aligns with our work.
1. Volunteering builds essential life skills.
From event help to office support to writing notes of encouragement or helping at events, volunteering helps kids develop skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are vital in any setting—whether it’s school, future employment, or community life.
2. Volunteering nurtures empathy.
Exposure to people with different life experiences fosters empathy. Many of the job seekers at Daily Work are navigating systemic barriers related to language, housing instability, or limited transportation options. When young people engage with organizations like ours, they begin to understand the challenges others face, and their own power to be part of the solution.
3. Volunteering gives young people a voice.
Volunteering connects youth with people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. It shows them that their contributions matter and that their actions can make a real difference. It also hones their critical thinking skills—giving them firsthand experience and deeper context to draw from when engaging with news, social media, or conversations about justice and equity. Instead of just hearing about issues, they begin to understand them through real-world connections, shaping their own, more informed perspectives.
4. Volunteering opens doors for the future.
Service experience strengthens college and job applications, but more importantly, it builds character, confidence, and community connection. When kids volunteer consistently, they develop relationships and references that may shape their path in meaningful ways.
5. Giving reinforces the habit of generosity.
Along with their time and talents, kids can also learn to share their resources. Encouraging children to set aside a portion of their allowance, or fundraise for a cause they care about, helps them understand that giving is a tangible way to support others. At Daily Work, every gift matters. A child’s $5 donation might help pay for bus fare to a job interview or printing a resume. These moments help kids see themselves as part of something bigger and capable of making real impact.
In a time of deep political divide and growing polarization, helping kids build empathy and real-world understanding is more critical than ever. Volunteer experiences offer a powerful way to bridge differences, foster compassion, and raise young people who value community and justice.
Ready to explore youth volunteering or giving with Daily Work? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s build the next generation of changemakers together.
