Argumentative Essay: Volunteering In Schools

Some school districts have begun to require community service volunteering as a mandatory for graduation. Criticism of this policy includes that families will not have the time or resources to support their children to volunteer, while many children and families would benefit from a child committing to a paid job. Conversely, school teachers and professionals claim that community service improves the education and health of the children living in that community. Community support inspires students to support the community after their school years. Therefore, volunteering for community service should be made mandatory for graduation. Community service does more than support the community. It also improves a student’s educational experience, and improves their health through widening their compassion and sense of place in the community, as well as giving students real world exposure by putting them in environments where they take part in the network of people and events that support the community. According to edutopia.org, “Lea Steele's fifth-grade class at Fremont learned math and history while doing chores to raise money holiday gifts and meals for disabled veterans and their families. She's seen service learning caforpture the attention of students who aren't the most academic, social, or popular.” This example shows that …show more content…
Lower income families do not have the time or resources to have their child participate. While participation may be out of reach for these families, the future benefits of community service will ultimately help their children. “Research has shown that individuals who participate in volunteering have better physical and mental health than those who do not, especially among adults aged 65 or older.”1 Therefore, supporting children who grow up in poverty to have the ability to participate in community service could help them succeed in many aspects of their