Community service is a cornerstone of Modern Woodmen Youth Service Clubs and many youth club activities involve volunteering. In response to recent research and survey results, Modern Woodmen launched a new and improved service program in January 2009.
The SOAR (Serving Others and Acting Responsibly) program encourages members to give their time, talents and resources outside of regular youth club activities. SOAR is based on the calendar year and records service acts instead of hours. Club members can volunteer in six different categories:
- Serving my family
- Serving my neighbors
- Serving my school
- Serving my community
- Serving my state and country
- Serving the earth
Each club member who completes 50 acts of service receives an attractive, useful duffel bag. At higher service levels, members receive their choice of other exciting prizes.
Research shows kids who volunteer are much more likely to continue volunteering as adults. Modern Woodmen hopes its new volunteer program will instill a habit that will impact American communities for decades to come.