Are charities doing enough to target young people?

Oxfam volunteer Sophie Haydock thinks when it comes to getting young people involved the best approach is the direct approach.

''Young people are a contradictory bunch. We’re greedy and giving, self-obsessed and self- effacing, wanting to change the world and wanting to stay in bed'' ''So, if I hadn’t been the willing participant, how likely is it that I’d now be up to my armpits in second hand clothes?''

Young people are a contradictory bunch. We’re greedy and giving, self-obsessed and self-effacing, wanting to change the world and wanting to stay in bed.

With more and more students and young people giving their time and energy to a whole host of charitable causes, high profile organisations such as Oxfam, UNICEF and Amnesty International must be doing something right. But are charities really doing enough of the right thing to entice the youth of today to turn off the TV? Or is it just those who are already enthusiastic and prepared to help who are willingly seduced?

Amnesty International UK, for example, offers students and young people a discounted rate on yearly membership and an exclusive Amnesty t-shirt. On top of this you will receive a ‘Protect the Human’ badge, special invites to parties and comedy events and have a say in the future of Amnesty.

I think it’s not just free gifts and parties that seduce our youthful souls. We want action and we want to see the results of our efforts. Maybe that’s why so many gap-year students choose to go abroad to get involved in a community and connect personally with a project.

As a volunteer at Oxfam I know that when I walked through the door and offered some of my time it was because Oxfam was the first name that sprung into my mind when I thought of charity. I’d often been into my local store and browsed through records and books and the whole range of accessories, but always naively assumed charity work was for someone else. It was only when the prospect of an entire summer of unnecessarily long lie-ins and day time television sunk in that I realised my time could be better spent doing something more productive. So, if I hadn’t been the willing participant, how likely is it that I’d now be up to my armpits in second hand clothes?

I’m not suggesting charities kidnap local animals and hold them to ransom until the volunteer quota is filled but maybe taking a more direct approach would produce better results. My manager said she’d previously noticed me as a customer in the Oxfam shop and thought about asking if I’d be interested in volunteering. So what was it that held her back?

Whatever the reasons, charities are pushing things forward and making it easier than ever for us to get involved. Nowadays we are only a few clicks away from the epicenter of generosity and goodwill. In seconds you can add your name and face to the Million Faces petition against the sale of guns, donate a few pounds to the East Africa World Crisis Appeal, send an e-card to all your friends supporting a campaign to stop violence against women, or even just browse Oxfam’s online shop at ebay. All this of course if you’re not missing the first 5 minutes of your favourite TV programme.