Volunteers are important...   Children and youth benefit immensely from developing relationships with adults who are interested in their well-being and who have skills, abilities and knowledge to share with them. A child's sense of self-worth is strongly reinforced when they develop a relationship with an adult that is based on shared interests and mutual respect. This is especially so when they know that the adult does not have to take an interest in them, e.g. they are not paid to, or they are not required to have any interest in their future as parents or guardians do. This is the kind of unique role that volunteers play in the lives of children and youth. Also it boosts a child's self esteem to know that a volunteer enjoys spending time together. Children and youth also need to see adults they respect making a contribution to their community. Mature adults recognize that they have a responsibility to give something back to the community and that it is important for all children and youth to see that 'giving back' in action. To see adults who they respect, going well beyond the borders of their own families and their own neighborhoods, to provide support to other children and youth, is an important life lesson.