SEATTLE — American teens are setting an example for their parents through their volunteer work, according to a new poll by Harris Interactive.
The random national telephone survey released this week by the Federal Way-based charity World Vision found that more teens volunteer to support a charitable cause — 56 percent — than have a part-time job — 39 percent.
Parents and guardians said 82 percent of the teens in their lives do something to support charitable causes.
Forty-six percent of the adults surveyed said they volunteer their time, but they also take credit for inspiring their children to volunteer.
The Harris Interactive poll was conducted in the United States between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2 among 2,003 adults.
Sara Johnson, a teacher who advises the student service club at a private high school in a suburb south of Chicago, says she's seen a resurgence of teen involvement in social causes since President Obama was elected in November.
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"I think that kids are realizing more and more how important it is," said Johnson, who teaches English at Illiana Christian, in Lansing, Ill., near the Indiana border.
Johnson, 29, said she saw a similar surge in involvement after Hurricane Katrina and believes this generation of teens is more involved in charitable work than her generation was.
The Harris Interactive survey found a quarter of teens have become more involved in charitable causes or organizations as a result of the economic downturn, but the economy has also led to cuts in allowances and has teens working more hours at a paying job.
Unlike many public high schools across the nation, Illiana Christian does not require its students to clock public-service hours. Senior Melissa Martin said some kids are too busy with other commitments like sports and music, but most of her classmates do volunteer.
"Our school shows a rare passion for service. It's something I'm really proud of," said Martin, who is editor of the school newspaper and chairs a group organizing a fundraiser for World Vision.
