Service Over Self
Youth Volunteer and Community Support Organization
of Georgetown, SC serving more than
5200 hours each year

Mission

The mission of Service Over Self is to instill an ethic of service among Georgetown County youth through cooperative community volunteer activities. SOS seeks to provide youth with tools necessary for success through volunteer service, character education and esteem-building programs.

The vision of Service Over Self is that through our programs and services, the life options for youth in Georgetown County will be unlimited.

Guiding principles

To achieve its mission, SOS adheres to five guiding principles seen as essential by the founding board members.

Who is eligible

SOS is available for all middle and high school aged youth in Georgetown County. We establish a presence in the elementary schools through speaking engagements to prepare them for their involvement in middle school. Adults are recruited as board members, site advisors and mentors.

SOS History

Founded in 1996, Service Over Self (SOS) seeks to involve middle and high school aged youth in serving their community. These County wide service projects are initiated by our youth in conjunction with various public and private community agencies. The purpose is for the teens to develop an ethic of service, receive character education, improve their self-esteem and encourage good decision making. Staff and adult volunteers serve as advisors and mentors. In 2004, we received the Excellence in Management Award from the South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations. SOS encourages diversity among our 600 youth members, who are almost equally divided between Caucasian and African American students.

Amplify Looking for Young Writers

Amplify is seeking 10-12 young people to serve as regular front page writers. Each front page writer will have a weekly blog on the front page of www.amplifyyourvoice.org and may be assigned to cover one of their issues. Writers will receive a monthly stipend of $100. Bloggers must have their own regular Internet access. Applications are now being accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information contact joe@advocatesforyouth.org