Scarlet Cord

"Volunteers are not paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless."
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Program

Purpose

The Scarlet Cord Program is designed to recognize and encourage Austin High School students to develop character that results from volunteering service to our community. Students will not only benefit the community, but will develop their own leadership and citizenship skills.

Overview

The Scarlet Cord Program is a distinguished volunteer service award available to Austin High School students who perform community service/volunteering during every year of high school. Students who complete the required number of volunteer service hours each year will be recognized at the Spring Awards ceremony. Seniors completing all required hours will be recognized by wearing a scarlet cord with their cap and gown and with special mention in the Commencement Program.

Requirements

Students who complete the 160 hours of community service by April 30th of their graduation year will receive the Scarlet Cord to wear at Graduation. Students document in Get Connected on time for the volunteer hours to be counted.

Service Hours

Hour Requirements

It is strongly recommended that students earn 40 hours per year. By completing 40 hours each year, students will be recognized at the Spring Awards Ceremony.

Scarlet Cord hours should be logged into Get Connected.

***In order to be eligible for graduation recognition all hours must be submitted by May 1st!

Acceptable Hours Ideas

It is important to remember that:

• Volunteer work is an unpaid activity.
• Not all good deeds are a community service.
• Volunteer service cannot occur during a student's academic classes.
• Hours begin to count at the start of your freshman year.

The following are ideas that would be acceptable to fulfill hours of service:

• Volunteering for community service organizations
• Volunteering to help in the neighborhood
• Helping at the Salvation Army
• Volunteering at the Food Shelf
• Volunteering at the Red Cross
• Helping to improve the school, community, parks, etc.
• Cleaning roadside ditches or other public areas around the community
• Assisting with the Special Olympics (ARC)
• Assisting at a hospital, shelter, daycare or nursing home
• Volunteering at the YMCA-front desk, laundry, cleaning
• Volunteering at Blood Drives
• Volunteering to help coach younger children in sports
• Volunteer camp counselor
• Volunteer tutor for younger children
• Big Brother/Big Sister/Mentoring program
• Helping at the Public Library
• Working to promote and implement any town activities or celebrations
• United Way Day of Caring
• Church Related Service
• Volunteering at the Humane Society
• Volunteering at the Nature Center
• Giving Blood
• Volunteering at The Cedars of Austin

The following activities would not meet requirements:

• You may not receive money or other compensation for the task.
• You must perform a service for someone other than the family members you live with.
• Chores at home or on the farm and babysitting younger siblings do not count.
• May not be court ordered.
• Task as assigned as a disciplinary action.
• May not be minor acts of kindness (holding a door open, etc.)
• May not include working for a PROFIT organization for free.
• Music or athletic practices.

For additional information, or to share a volunteer opportunity, please contact will.pazurek@austin.k12.mn.us or jane.carlson@austin.k12.mn.us.