Diane Hedin's research suggests that "for optimal moral growth, students should be engaged at their own level of reasoning in experiences which will challenge them to exercise their skills in more sophisticated ways. They must not be overwhelmed with demands beyond their current level."
As young people grow from childhood through adolescence to adulthood, there are appropriate service opportunities for them at every age. Just as young people have opportunities to participate in age-appropriate athletics from Little League to varsity sports, so they can have increasingly complex and involved in service experiences as they grow up.
As children begin growing into young adults and begin to have more service experience, it is important to provide opportunities for young adults to be involved in planning projects, assessing community needs and recruiting volunteers. Having an adult to facilitate the process, ensure barriers are addressed, and access resources creates an environment where young adults can really get creative about addressing some of the problems they see in the community. At times young adults will need help uncovering potential partners, as well as advocating for projects, but let them do it. At this stage of development it is important to provide support and be realistic about what can be accomplished without extinguishing creativity and energy.
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