112 Chapter 5 Community and Environmental Responsibilities
is just as important to employers as job experience gained in a paid
position. Also, some of the people you help by volunteering may keep
you informed of job openings in your fi eld of interest. They can vouch
for your ability to do a good job to a potential employer you may want to
impress. They may even offer you a full-time job when you leave school.
Later, when you meet the age requirement, you may wish to serve
on a local committee or run for an elective offi ce. Most of the big issues
affecting a community are resolved in the political arena. The many
different roles of public service are important, and dedicated people are
always needed to fi ll them.
To Protect the Environment
You are not just a citizen of a city, state, and nation. You are also
a citizen of the world. As such, you have a right to live in a clean,
healthy environment. You also have a responsibility to help keep your
environment clean and healthy.
Protecting the environment means doing your part to help keep the air
and water supply clean. It also means conserving the land and its resources.
Reading
Review
1. What requirements must a person meet to register to vote in the
United States?
2. List fi ve services provided by tax dollars.
3. State three results of volunteering that can help teens get a full-time
job in the future.
R R R
1 1 Wh t
5-2
In addition to the job
skills learned while
volunteering, you also
develop important
interpersonal skills by
working with the general
public and cooperating
with coworkers.
Serving Your
Community
Organize an environmental
club in your school or
become involved in
an existing club. Plan
activities to increase
environmental awareness,
encourage conservation
of resources, and improve
the environment.