SOS Programs
Following are programs currently in place with Service Over Self. Since growth occurs in our youth database at nearly 100 members each year, programs also must grow in order to maintain interest and accommodate the young people.
Neil Wilson and Jennifer Hudson participating in BARNGA - a team communication exercise that is part of the SOS Leadership Institute.
MONTHLY YOUTH MEETINGS
Youth Council Members and Youth Volunteers meet once a month to discuss volunteer opportunities in the community. The meetings are conducted by the youth and sign up sheets are completed. The Youth Council Members then take information learned at the meeting back to their respective schools in order to share information.
SUMMER FUNSHOPS
Each year, interested middle and high school-aged youth are invited to attend this week-long program. The workshops are designed to encourage leadership, team-building, and commitment while introducing the young people to community non-profit/service agencies that have agreed to work closely with SOS in the coming year.
YOUTH SUMMIT
Sponsored by The Community Youth Project, as a result of grant funding from The Turner Foundation, the Youth Summit is held in order to encourage diversity appreciation and leadership development. A select number of students are invited from each middle and high school to participate in this one-day event. The success of this event is dramatic with students and principals alike looking forward to this yearly event.
YOUTH SERVICE DAY
Held each year in April, SOS participates in this National Day of Youth Service by organizing more than 20 worksites throughout the county. Each worksite hosts 5-25 youth volunteers, an adult advisor, and a site captain. Additionally, each site is sponsored by area businesses and individuals. This is a unique and visible opportunity for collaborative effort.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Throughout the year SOS is asked to provide volunteers for various community-wide events totaling more than 7000 hours of community service (Harborwalk, Adopt-a-Spots, Halloween Trick-or-Treat, etc) and for assistance at various non-profit functions (Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, Red Cross Blood Drives, Keep Georgetown Beautiful, Special Olympics, etc.). Each event requires a wide range of volunteer assistance. Volunteering in these various projects allows for work experience, collaboration, and self-confidence building -- all helping to awaken an ethic of service in the youth and helping to develop a character strong in dedication and service.
SOS YOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
SOS staff have been trained by the Points of Light Foundation to implement the Institute in Georgetown County. The Institute is a unique training program designed to help prepare young people for leadership roles in their communities. Through a state-of-the-art curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and experiential training, the Institute teaches youth a broad array of leadership skills applicable to community service.
ADVOCACY/COMMUNITY FORUMS
SOS volunteers speak at/to various community groups about their own opinions on school issues, race relations and/or community concerns. They have spoken at School Board meetings, County/City Council meetings, and at the Palmetto Project. Currently, SOS youth were awarded the Governor*s State Award for Volunteerism and were selected by USC to participate in their SCALE Project focusing on Youth Empowerment issues and with DHEC on a statewide anti-tobacco campaign.
ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PREVENTION INITIATIVE
Our goal is to decrease teen pregnancy and increase male responsibility. SOS programs have been accepted as part of the public school health curriculum and are widely used in local youth group settings. SOS offers a comprehensive health program called Girls Night Out that is opened to female high school students.
Learn more about our Approved School Programs
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