Community Service in Rexburg: Be the Change!

Community service is a valuable opportunity for individuals to give back to their community and make a positive impact. Not only is it beneficial for the community, but also for the person who is completing the service. So what are the benefits of getting community service hours?

One of the main benefits is that it allows individuals to learn new skills and gain valuable experiences. According to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, youth who participate in community service are more likely to have better academic outcomes, such as higher grade point averages and higher rates of high school graduation (Robert Grimm et al., 2007). Additionally, community service can help individuals develop important life skills, like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving (Robert Grimm et al., 2007).

Another benefit of community service is that it can help to build a sense of community and social connections. By working with others to improve their community, individuals can feel a sense of belonging and purpose, which can help to improve overall well-being. Additionally, community service can help to break down barriers between different groups of people and promote understanding and acceptance (UC San Diego, Community service).

Community service can also be beneficial for individuals when it comes to career development. Many employers look favorably upon individuals who have a history of community service because it can show that they are committed to making a positive impact and have valuable skills and experiences (Robert Grimm et al., 2007). Additionally, community service can help individuals to identify their interests and strengths, which can be useful in determining a career path (Robert Grimm et al., 2007).

Finally, community service can be beneficial for mental and physical health. According to a study by the National Service Research Institute, individuals who engage in community service have lower rates of depression and anxiety and report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being (UC San Diego, Community service). 


In conclusion, community service is a valuable opportunity for individuals to give back to their community and make a positive impact. It can be beneficial in terms of learning new skills and gaining valuable experiences, building a sense of community, career development, and mental and physical health.This is for everyone and anyone and the chance to make a change and help! The Rexburg Free Clinic provides numerous opportunities to dive into community service and offers year-round volunteer programs.

You may be interested in Community Service as a student if you are ….

A High school student:

Many high schools require students to complete a certain number of community service hours in order to graduate. These students may look for opportunities to fulfill this requirement. It can also upgrade your resume for a job or even for a college application or college scholarship.


A College student: 

Some college students may look for community service opportunities as a way to gain valuable experiences and skills, or as a way to give back to their community. It can also help with content for a resume or complete required service hours. Some students may look for community service opportunities as a way to demonstrate their commitment to service and increase their chances of being awarded scholarships or other forms of financial aid.


A Student who is interested in a specific cause or issue:

Some students may be particularly passionate about a specific issue, such as environmental conservation, public health, homelessness, or healthcare, and may look for opportunities to serve in a way that aligns with their interests.


A Student who is interested in pursuing a career in a specific field: 

Some students may look for community service opportunities as a way to gain relevant experience and build their resumes for certain careers, such as social work, healthcare, or teaching. The Rexburg Free Clinic 


It is important to note that community service opportunities are not only restricted to students, many adults also look to volunteer in their community to make a positive impact and many other reasons.

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Rexburg Free Clinic
   
(208) 716-8723

References:

Robert Grimm, J., Kimberly Spring, & Nathan Dietz. (2007). The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research. Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), https://www.americorps.gov/sites/default/files/evidenceexchange/RB_2007_IssueBrief_TheHealthBenefitsofVolunteering_1.pdf

UC San Diego., Community service. Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://getinvolved.ucsd.edu/service/resources/reasons.html


Free Clinic Intern