Apr 17, 2020
High school junior Jameson Cohen was looking forward to Spring Baseball Season. When he found out he’d be spending it at home, he turned it into a season of giving back. Not only was he able to feed and connect with people in need, he created a special organization called “Circle of Friends” -- designed to encourage children of HealthCare workers right from his own home. This is one example of how students are giving back for National Volunteer Week April 20-25. How are you connecting?
Disclosure: Today's guest is also a guest on the Let's Volunteer now event from today's sponsor. All opinions are my own and that of the guest.
Sponsor: The WE Schools Program, made possible by the Allstate Foundation, is kicking off National Volunteer Week with Let’s Volunteer Now! Join this free online event to help discover how virtual volunteering can help your students build SEL skills. It will be hosted on Friday, April 17 at 1pm EST on the @Wemovement Facebook channel with special guests SEL expert Dr. Amy Cranston and her brother award-winner actor Bryan Cranston, and joined by remarkable students and WE Volunteer Now campaign participants, Tyler and Jameson.
Jameson is 17 years old from New York City. He is passionate
about taking action in his community and wants to ensure he is
doing everything he can to continue to spread light and positivity
in the world. In light of what is happening in the world and the
high demand and pressure on medical professionals, Jameson is
focusing his efforts supporting health care professionals who
bravely work everyday to ensure the rest of us are safe and feel
protected in our homes. He has been supporting a local restaurant
package and deliver meals to hospitals around New York City.
As part of National Volunteer Week (April 20 - 25), Jameson is
giving back thorough the WE Volunteer Now campaign (https://www.we.org/en-CA/our-work/we-schools/we-schools-campaigns-and-curriculum/service-learning-campaigns/take-action/we-volunteer-now)
-- encouraging his peers to take action and volunteer in their
communities . Jameson has started “Circle of Friends”, a volunteer
program that provides virtual programming to medical professionals,
educators and parents who need help keeping their children engaged
and excited during this uneasy time. Circle of Friends pairs a
family with a volunteer over the age of 16 and arranges a 30 minute
session focusing on an array of activities. From helping with
homework, partaking in a “private yoga lesson” or even having a fun
conversation about sports. Jameson hopes this platform is a way to
support parents whilst also instilling a sense of hope within young
people to continue to pursue their passions and interests during
this time.