ix With professional development, human services professionals engage in learning opportunities linked to improving their professional expertise on the job. Likewise, with active community service, human services professionals put their knowledge and skills to work in helping others in their communities. Targets Professional Development and Community Service 53 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Why Volunteer? People who volunteer cite many different reasons for making volunteering a regular part of their lives. Following are some of the common reasons people often give for volunteering: • to feel needed • to be a part of the community • to make a difference • for academic credit • to learn more about a career or add an experience to a résumé • because someone asked for help • because of personal experience with a particular cause or problem • to remain active and be a part of a team and • for recognition. Although people give many reasons for volunteering, one of the primary reasons is to have a chance to help others. In this way, volunteering is much like “the people business.” Through volunteering, people are helping those who are in need and less fortunate. In return, they feel a sense of purpose or accomplishment as a result of their work. In fact, studies have shown that there is a positive relationship between volunteering and happiness. The more time you spend volunteering, the more potential there is to gain happiness and fulfi llment from helping others. Volunteering presents many social opportunities to give you a feeling of happiness. Through volunteering, you will be exposed to a more diverse group of people. You will meet people who care about the same issues that interest you. This can be an excellent way for making new friends. If you are shy or have a hard time meeting people, volunteering can be a good way to meet likeminded people. You can even improve your social skills in the process. Volunteering can also help you connect with family and friends. As you work together to help others, you have a chance to spend time together and talk. You share a common goal and work as a team. Adult family members can set an example of community service for younger family members. There are many benefi ts to volunteering with family and friends. To discover the ways in which volunteering can benefi t you and your family and friends, complete the following: 1. With your classmates, brainstorm a list of possible social benefi ts of volunteering. Which benefi ts are the most important to you? Why? 2. Choose one or two possible benefi ts of volunteering. Locate volunteer opportunities that would provide you with those benefi ts. Find out how to apply for the volunteer opportunities you locate. Then, write a practice application for one of the positions. Lend a Hand a moral dilemma that many people face. Analyze and describe what each pressure source might say to a person. Pressure sources might include peer groups, religious beliefs, cultural values, and moral standards difficult decision making. For instance, are people getting mixed messages or are one or more pressure sources silent on an issue? 258 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Portfolio Personal Statement Many portfolios require a personal statement. This is a short essay describing why you want to pursue a degree or job and what experiences have honed that vision. Whereas a cover message focuses primarily on experience, a personal statement includes your personal drive and interest in a career area. When writing a personal statement, use this opportunity to write a short story with you as the main character. Talk about how your personal experiences and interests inspire you to pursue your academic or career goals. Be sure to write simply and clearly. Keep your personal statement brief and to the point. Essays that are too long can lose the reader’s attention. Remember that your personal statement will continue to change as you change. To write your own personal statement, complete the following: 1. Use online or print resources to see samples of other people’s personal statements. Read these statements carefully. Which statements grab your attention? Are there similarities in the writing styles of these statements? 2. Draft a personal statement for your intended college or career. 3. Show your personal statement to a career counselor, teacher, or staff member in the school writing center to get his or her feedback. 4. Apply the feedback given. Proofread your personal statement carefully. • Specialized knowledge for counseling and mental health services careers involves understanding the individual and family life cycles and recognizing family-life crises. These upon entering the field is finding the right balance between personal and professional roles. The job outlook is bright for future career opportunities in counseling and mental health services. College and Career Portfolio College and Career Portfolio activities guide you through developing your own portfolio and collecting meaningful samples of your work. Lend a Hand activities provide opportunities for you to get involved, help others, and give back to your local and global communities.