My World

You are becoming a young adult and there are responsibilities you have in your community. When you turn 18 you will need to register to vote and if you are a male, you will need to sign up for selective service. This information will guide you to see the magic of volunteering, tips on how to be a good neighbor, and how to participate in local and state government.

Why do people volunteer?
As a young adult you may ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer?" One good reason is to develop and learn new skills. You can find a way to give back to others the same values that are given to you. Experiencing the importance of helping others will make you feel good. It is also a fun thing to do and a great way to make new friends.

We all find ourselves in need at one time or another. Volunteering provides help to those in their hour of need.

Consider that most people find themselves in need at some point in their lives. So today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow you may be the recipient of someone else's volunteer effort. Even now you might be on both sides of the services cycle; maybe you are a tutor for someone who can't read, while last month the volunteer ambulance corps rushed you to the hospital. Volunteering also includes "self-help". So if you are active in your neighborhood crime watch, your home is protected while you protect your neighbors' homes too. Adding your effort to the work of others makes everyone's lives better.

There are many questions you should ask yourself before you decide where you would like to volunteer.

• What are my talents, abilities and skills?
• What do I want to get out of it? Why am I volunteering?
• What kind of work would I be good at and/or willing to learn?
• How much time do I have to give? When am I available?
• How far am I willing to travel? What are my transportation needs?
• What don't I want to do as a volunteer?
• Do I want an ongoing, regular or short term one-time assignment?
• Do I want to work alone or with a group?

Once you decide what kind of volunteer work you would like to do, you can contact several companies through email or call them directly.

Internet Issues

• Check to see if your Academic Program offers you a free account.
• Never share your password.
• Be careful to protect your on-line banking – guard against identity theft.
• If you do purchase items on-line, make sure you see the secure lock logo on the page.
• Be wary of online predators – please think twice before giving out personal info such as where you live, where you hang out, etc.
• Suggestion: Keep your MySpace, Facebook, etc. accounts private.
• Remember, be careful about what you post (language used, pictures posted, etc.) as you are leaving an electronic footprint; one that will live on forever and can be read by potential employers, family, friends, and even, perhaps your children in the future!
• Consider having an email address that is more professional that you can use when filling out online job applications, responding to professionals in the community, etc.

Sexting
Sexting is the slang term for the use of a cell phone or other similar electronic device to distribute pictures or video of sexually explicit images.

• It's illegal and can have adult consequences.
• You can be charged with distributing child pornography if you send pictures of yourself or anyone under the age of 18.
• You can be charged with possession of child pornography if you have sexually explicit pictures of anyone under the age of 18.
• If you are 18 years or older and you forward sexually explicit pictures of someone who is under 18, you can be charged as a sex offender.
• Don't assume any picture you send will remain private.
• Remember that digital images can be stored forever, even if you delete them.