Do You Want To Become A Johnny Appleseed
Do you remember Johnny Appleseed, the folk hero? Johnny crossed the Ohio Valley on his westward journey carrying apple seeds in his leather satchel. Wherever he went, Johnny cast seeds on the fertile land. Years passed before his purposeful plan bore fruit trees for others to enjoy. Johnny knew the secret joy of planting trees under the shade of which he would never sit!
It s a fact that today s teenagers are the most service-oriented generation that America has ever produced. By the thousands in our cities, towns and suburbs, teens are volunteering their time and talents for seniors, Race for the Cure, Aids, Muscular Dystrophy, battered women and abused children. Our youth are making communities safer and parks more beautiful while aiding the blind and helping the homeless find food and shelter. Truly, we have a Johnny Appleseed generation in our midst!
Service learning now plays a major role in high schools throughout the United States as kids discover the rich rewards of unselfishly giving to others. Employers actively recruit students entering the job market who have service background on their resume.
Today s young adults are showing that service learning is like seed planting. They are finding special places to plant their energies and talents in projects where, very often, they will never see the long-term impact of their efforts. In doing so, young people are committed to plant seeds of caring service that surely shall outlive them, just like the pioneering Johnny of long ago.
You can encourage your kids to join the prairie fire of service learning. All kids have what it takes to jump in and seek a place to give back. Three inspiring mental thoughts guide service: the I CAN attitude, the I WILL motivation, and the I CARE mission.
You may be a community leader in government, education, business or non-profits. If you haven t already, begin thinking how your organization can eagerly welcome I CAN, I WILL, I CARE service-oriented youth who seek creative ways to express the Johnny Appleseed service legacy of planting trees under the shade of which they shall never sit.
– Russ Williams