Herron Highschool believes that volunteering is not just about academics, but also about personal growth and character development. By participating in volunteer work, students are able to build trust, develop leadership skills, and connect with their community in Indianapolis. Through various events such as open houses, field trips, and community events, students are exposed to different perspectives and become more informed individuals who are capable of making a positive impact on the world. There are numerous ways to stay connected and give back to the community, such as volunteering at local animal shelters or assisting the elderly at nursing homes. Even within our school, students have the opportunity to join organizations like the Gardening Club or National Honor Society, which allow them to step out of their comfort zone and experience the world around them. These students go above and beyond their academic responsibilities and are actively involved in various organizations that they believe will benefit the community. You may wonder, why do these students choose to volunteer? Here are some stories from students at our school who have shared their experiences with us.
Interviews with our students:
“I enjoy volunteering just for the sake of helping others. I have the ability and there’s a need, so I might as well help out. I feel like we have a duty to others to make the world as great as we can, especially in these trying times, so I like to do my part through volunteering. I want people to feel welcome, as if they are deserving of taking up space, because they are. That’s why I volunteer in things like Prom or Culture Fest. These events make people feel seen or special, which makes me happy to see” – Zykira Peterson
“As a part of the Museum apprentice program of the Children’s Museum, I volunteer at public events, family programs, and the museum’s summer camp! I mostly help set up activities and lead children through them. The Museum is a non-profit and is always in need of volunteers in the stem lab, Paleo lab, and in family programs. Check the website if you’re interested!” (https://www.childrensmuseum.org/support/volunteer) –Leah Amorim Hawkins
“Volunteer as a research assistant for a project studying Chin refugees and their religious lives. I help them do research on mass media representation of Burmese Americans. It is so great to engage the community in this way and see how these researchers work. I also volunteered this year with the Indianapolis Rowing Center. I helped teach middle school children to learn to row and helped lead their practices. I loved getting to share this sport with new people and helping young kids learn and grow!” – Beata Borja
“”Where do I start?”
I encourage every scholar to dive deeper into the world around them and find new ways to get involved. This can be done through programs such as Second Helpings, which is a nonprofit where volunteers help prepare and distribute meals to people in need. There’s also Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, which focuses on empowering young girls through education and mentorship programs. For adults, there’s Outside the Box, Inc., which provides programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can also visit community centers like the Hope Center or BAG of LOVE to help those in need.
“What are the benefits?”
Volunteer work creates a powerful cycle of positive impact, strengthening both the community and the individual. By giving time and effort to support others, volunteers help address local needs, build connections, and foster a sense of unity that makes communities more resilient. At the same time, volunteering offers personal benefits such as developing new skills, gaining perspective, and experiencing a deeper sense of purpose. This mutual exchange shows that even small acts of service can lead to meaningful change, making volunteer work an essential part of a thriving, compassionate society.
Change starts now. Finding volunteer opportunities near you:
https://www.secondhelpings.org/
https://www.hopecenterindy.org
https://www.kibi.org/
https://www.uwci.org/volunteer
