Whether you feel passionate about gang-related issues, the AIDS epidemic or working children, these opportunities are for teens who want to help others. Explore below or in the navigate menu to the right.

Peace Warriors Network: A network of youth violence prevention/intervention agencies, youth groups and faith-based organizations passionate and committed to decreasing the harm that violence inflicts on our communities. Also see the Youth Promise Act on Facebook.

Buckingham Youth Brigade: An after school program geared towards creating a positive learning environment for youth. A project of the Bu-GATA Tenant's Association. Many of our students live in the Buckingham Neighborhood of Arlington, which is comprised of low income families. The central goal is to provide the youth with leadership and community service skills and empower them to become active members of the community.

Youth Speak, Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry: The Youth Speak program of Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM) works against the spread of this disease. As a volunteer, you educate your peers about the risks of HIV . Call 703-533-5505 for more info.

Arlington Red Cross: The Red Cross Youth Team meets every Wednesday during the school year to plan and participate in service projects. In addition, the Youth Safety Educators teach Red Cross lessons to children. During the summer, a third youth group engages in service projects.

Phoenix Bikes: At the Phoenix Bikes in Barcroft Park, you can learn about leadership and bike maintenance as you earn volunteer hours and help local bikers.

Columbia Heights West Teen Photo Project: Members of the Photo Project meet Sunday afternoons from 12:30-2:30 to hone their skills, volunteer and participate in shows. Open to eighth through 11th graders who live in the 22204 zip code. Call Paula Endo (703-575-8875) for more info.

Leadership Arlington Youth Program: If you are a sophomore or junior in high school, Leadership Arlington’s Youth Program can help you to develop leadership skills and learn about why the community needs active members. Go to their Web site for details on how to apply to the program (in late spring).

Buckingham Youth Brigade: This after-school program guides young people living in the Buckingham neighborhood of Arlington to develop leadership skills and get involved in community service.

Teen Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD): At Teen LEAD, high school students living in Arlington's Columbia Heights West neighborhood participate in leadership workshops and complete internships at neighborhood after school programs. Teen LEAD is run by the Greenbrier Learning Center for high school students. Call 703-379-6488 for more info.

Youth Venture: This group, which has an office in Arlington, is looking for teams of teens around the world to start up organizations, businesses and programs that address social issues.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington D.C. (RMHC) Teen Council: As a member of the RMHC Teen Counci, you get to make a difference in the life of families and seriously ill children.