.png)
ROOTS OF COMPASSION
Summer Volunteer & Service-Learning Program
Ages 14–18
Roots of Compassion is a summer volunteer and service-learning program designed for students ages 14–18 who want to make a difference in their community while developing leadership skills, volunteer experience, and a deeper understanding of community service, food insecurity, and the power of compassion in action.
Through hands-on service and personal reflection, students will gain valuable experience while helping support neighbors in need.
Program Details
-
Program Dates: June 22 – August 21, 2026​
-
Volunteer Commitment: Minimum of 8 volunteer shifts​
-
Shift Options: Monday–Friday​
-
Morning Shift: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM​
-
Afternoon Shift: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
-
-
​Flexible Scheduling: Students may adjust their schedules week-to-week depending on their availability with approval from the Volunteer Manager.
Volunteering Tasks
-
Process & Stock Food - Help sort, organize, and stock incoming food donations for distribution to local families.
-
Assist in Our Food Market - Support clients as they shop in our no-cost food market and help create a welcoming experience.​​​
Reflection and Impact ​​
-
In addition to service hours, students will complete a capstone reflection project exploring how their volunteer experience impacted both themselves and the community.
-
Project formats may include:
-
Artwork or Photography
-
Video or Short Film
-
Essay or Written Reflection
-
Podcast or Presentation
-
Other Creative Formats
-
​​This project encourages students to think critically about service, empathy, and community impact.
Roots of Compassion Certificate ​​
​​​Upon successful completion of the program requirements, including the minimum volunteer commitment and capstone project, participants will receive a Roots of Compassion Certificate of Service recognizing their service, dedication, and contribution to the community.
Program Expectations
To help create a safe, respectful, and productive volunteer environment, participants in the Roots of Compassion program are expected to:
-
Arrive on time and attend scheduled volunteer shifts.
-
Communicate schedule changes or absences ahead of time.
-
Limit phone use to emergencies or approved breaks only.
-
Follow all WVCS safety guidelines and volunteer instructions.
-
Remain on-site for the duration of their scheduled shift unless given permission by staff.
-
Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes during volunteer shifts.
-
Remain engaged and actively participate during volunteer hours.
-
Treat staff, volunteers, clients, and fellow participants with respect.
-
Maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a welcoming environment.
​
Participants who do not follow program expectations may be requested to remove themselves from the program at the discretion of WVCS staff.
Steps to Enroll:
​Please visit https://www.wvcommunityservices.org/volsignup to register the student as a volunteer at WVCS and select Roots of Compassion as the program.
​
Next, please have the student complete the harassment prevention training at https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/shpt/, and send the certificate of completion to volunteer@wvcommunityservices.org.
​
Once complete, contact volunteer@wvcommunityservices.org to receive the parental consent form and we will create a volunteering schedule for each student.