Volunteerism has become a catalyst for positive change among today’s youth, driven by their strong desire to make a meaningful difference. In this feature, we highlight several causes that passionate young individuals are actively volunteering for. If you’re eager to contribute to a good cause, explore these inspiring initiatives to make a tangible impact.

Championing the art of giving back to society, stands as a remarkable endeavour. For today’s youth, it embodies a plethora of motivations — altruism, personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to igniting real change.

Today, their dedication shines brighter than ever, illuminating not just passion but an unyielding determination to push boundaries for their causes.

Volunteering transcends mere self-improvement; it’s a dynamic pathway for honing essential skill like teamwork, communication and problem-solving. The social fabric it weaves, the networks it fosters, create a tapestry of shared purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

If you’re feeling the pull toward volunteering but don’t know where to start, fret not! Here, we present worthy causes and organisations that serve as your gateway to making a difference.

1. Willing Hearts

Willing Hearts is a charitable organisation that runs a soup kitchen responsible for the preparation and distribution of over 7, 000 meals a day. It is run mainly by volunteers, apart from a handful of staff. Willing Hearts has a simple philosophy when it comes to volunteering: It encourages volunteers to bring a warm smile, two helping hands, an open and willing heart, and to ask the simple question, ‘How can I be of help today?’ That is all it takes to volunteer at Willing Hearts!

2. Youth Corps Singapore

If you’re looking to mingle with like-minded peers dedicated to enacting positive societal change, Youth Corps Singapore is the place for you! As a division under the National Youth Council, Youth Corps aims to empower and support youths, aged 15 to 35, to ignite positive change in society through community service. It does this through catalysing meaningful collaborations between youths, the social service sector and society.

3. Silver Ribbon

As a society, we have made incredible strides towards destigmatising mental health issues in recent years. Silver Ribbon is at the forefront of this progress, dedicated to combatting mental health stigma, encourage early help, and facilitate integration of people with mental illness within society through innovative means of promoting mental health literacy. For young people looking to play a role in shaping our conversations surrounding mental health, the organisation’s Youth Chapter provides ample opportunity for you to make your voice heard.

4. Habitat for Humanity

Safe and decent housing is a fundamental right that should be shared by everyone – Habitat for Humanity is a charity organisation that holds this belief close to heart. It strives to build decent homes across Asia-Pacific and rehabilitate flats in Singapore for vulnerable persons and families. Volunteering opportunities range from making homes safer and cleaner to by declutering items to virtual volunteering opportunites to clean up your neighbourhood or favourite green space.

Volunteering for Change

1. Willing Hearts

2. Youth Corps Singapore

3. Silver Ribbon

4. Habitat for Humanity