Section 5-1 Citizenship 111
To Be Involved in
Your Community
Taxes provide most of the
public services needed, but
never stretch far enough to
cover everything. This is why
volunteers are welcomed in
many government and nonprofi t
agencies. Volunteers are people
who provide valuable services by
offering their time, talents, and
energy free of charge.
People who become involved
in their communities take pride
in them. They enjoy knowing
they make a positive contribution.
Such contributions can make the
community more beautiful, such
as freshly painted park benches,
litter-free sidewalks, and holiday
decorations. Volunteering also
makes a noticeable difference in
people’s lives. Examples include making food baskets for the needy and
helping people learn to read.
Most communities have a roster of volunteer opportunities available.
However, you might see a specifi c need and simply inform the people
in charge that you want to fi ll it. Think about your interests and abilities
in deciding where you want to devote your efforts. That will lead you to
fi nd a volunteer opportunity that matches your enthusiasm.
Volunteering can benefi t you in more ways than you imagine. You
learn more about your community and your neighbors. You meet new
friends and receive the personal satisfaction of seeing that your help
really matters. You also perfect your skills and can also gain new skills.
Volunteering can help you determine your career interests. By
gaining fi rsthand experience in related areas, you can better decide
which direction in life appeals most to you. For example, if your interests
include working with children and oil painting, you could seek a job that
includes both. Some possible jobs that merge these interests are likely
found in community recreation programs and local child care centers. If
your interests change, you can always shift to other types of volunteer
work to explore new areas.
Your volunteer experience will be a valuable asset when you try to
obtain your fi rst job. See 5-2. First-time job seekers who have no previous
job experience to report can always list their volunteer work. Such work
Financial Literacy
Types of Taxes
Taxes collected for government services
can be classifi ed in the following ways:
•
Progressive taxes: as the item being taxed
increases, the rate of tax increases. For instance, income
tax is a progressive tax. The more you earn, the higher is
the percentage of tax you pay.
•
Direct taxes: those charged directly to the people who are
to pay them. Sales tax is an example of a direct tax.
•
Indirect taxes: are included in the price of taxed items.
Excise tax is an example of an indirect tax.
How do taxes affect citizens? Consider the following examples
involving the purchase of gasoline and antifreeze, both costing
$2.50 a gallon:
•
Excise tax of 20 cents a gallon is included in the price of
the gasoline. Therefore, you will have to pay $2.50 for a
gallon of gasoline.
•
A sales tax of 6 percent is added onto the price of the
antifreeze. A gallon of the antifreeze will cost you $2.65.
can
21st
Century
Skills
Leadership. Jennifer is a
leader at work and in the
community. She recently
organized her company’s
participation in a fund-raising
walk to benefi t a community
organization. She was also
recognized by her employer
for outstanding community
service.
Community Affairs
Director
Can you think of other careers
related to the chapter?
Link to
Careers