Youth and Community Development: Twin Volunteers at the Clarendon Parish Development Committee
- Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Communities Grow Stronger When Young People Choose to Serve
Youth leadership does not always begin with a title or position. Sometimes it begins with a simple decision to participate.
In this edition of SRC Community Spotlight, we highlight twin sisters Kyla and Kiara Plummer, young volunteers contributing to community initiatives through the Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society.
Joining the conversation is Eurica Douglas, General Manager of the organisation, who shares insight into how Parish Development Committees (PDCs) help create space for citizens, especially young people, to participate in shaping the development of their communities.
Together, the conversation provides both a youth perspective and an institutional perspective on community development and civic participation in Jamaica.
▶ Watch the Community Spotlight Replay
Meet the Youth Volunteers: Kyla and Kiara Plummer
The feature begins with an introduction to the twins and their personal interests.
Kyla describes herself as a driven and multifaceted individual with strong interests in law, personal development, and entrepreneurship. She aspires to become both an attorney and a businesswoman, with plans to build a therapeutic spa business.
Kiara shares similar passions, including reading, music, and helping others. She hopes to co-own a spa with her sister and become actively involved in charitable initiatives.
Their shared vision highlights an important reality: young people often carry multiple aspirations, blending professional ambition with a desire to contribute to their communities.
How Youth Volunteerism Often Begins
For both sisters, the journey into volunteerism began during their school years.
Kyla recalls becoming interested in community initiatives while participating in an environmental science club that focused on recycling projects in partnership with community organisations. Later, the Project STAR programme further deepened her interest in volunteerism.
Kiara also developed a desire to serve her community during high school, even though she was not always able to participate in some of the activities offered at the time.
Their experiences illustrate an important lesson:
Exposure to community initiatives during youth often sparks lifelong interest in civic participation.
Discovering the Clarendon Parish Development Committee
The twins’ involvement with the PDC began through a simple conversation.
After meeting someone connected to the organisation, they learned about the opportunity to volunteer at the office and decided to get involved — even though they initially had little knowledge of what the organisation did.
This moment highlights a powerful truth:
Many young people become involved in civic work simply because someone introduces them to the opportunity.
The Power of Encouragement
As twins, Kyla and Kiara describe their volunteer journey as a shared experience.
They encourage each other to grow, challenge each other to improve, and often reflect on their personal development through their work.
Kyla describes the dynamic as “like having a mirror” — a constant reminder to keep learning and improving.
This mutual encouragement demonstrates how peer support can strengthen youth participation in community initiatives.
Understanding the Role of the Parish Development Committee
During the conversation, Eurica Douglas explains the role of the Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society.
Established under Jamaica’s Local Governance framework, Parish Development Committees serve as voluntary organisations that bring together:
citizens
community groups
government agencies
civil society organisations
academic institutions
The goal is simple but powerful:
to create partnerships and programmes that support sustainable development within the parish.
Many people assume the PDC is a government entity. In reality, it is a citizen-driven organisation that collaborates closely with public institutions while maintaining a strong focus on community participation.
What Makes Volunteerism Meaningful
For the twins, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the sense of belonging.
Kyla describes the PDC secretariat as “a second home.”
Working with community members and participating in outreach activities provides not only opportunities to serve but also a sense of purpose and personal growth.
Kiara recalls the organisation’s post-Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, where volunteers helped distribute support packages to affected communities.
Seeing the gratitude of residents, even for simple items such as buckets and food supplies, left a lasting impression.
Moments like these demonstrate how community service can be transformative both for the people receiving help and for the volunteers themselves.
Practical Advice for Young People Who Want to Serve
When asked what advice they would offer to other young people, the twins shared a simple but powerful message:
Start anywhere.
Volunteerism does not require a perfect plan or a formal organisation.
Young people can begin by:
identifying a need in their community
gathering friends to address the issue
starting a small initiative
using social media to mobilise support
Even small efforts—such as community clean-ups—can create meaningful impact.
Why Youth Participation Matters
In her closing reflections, Eurica Douglas emphasises that youth engagement is essential for the future of community development.
Young people will eventually become:
community leaders
decision-makers
policy influencers
By participating early in civic initiatives, they build the skills needed to lead effectively.
Volunteerism also helps young people develop:
organisational skills
teamwork
leadership
empathy
problem-solving abilities
Without youth participation, she notes, community development risks becoming disconnected from the voices of future generations.
A Civic Learning Reflection
The conversation highlights an important civic principle:
Community development is strongest when citizens participate actively in shaping their communities.
Youth voices bring fresh ideas, energy, and creativity to development processes.
Organisations like the Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society provide platforms where those voices can be heard and translated into meaningful action.
Civic Resource: Companies Office of Jamaica Digital Service Support
Many individuals who engage in community development initiatives eventually begin small enterprises, community organisations, or social initiatives.
The Companies Office of Jamaica provides digital services that support business registration, company filings, and other corporate compliance processes. The flyer below provides contact information and guidance for accessing COJ Digital Service Support.
Discussion Prompts
Use these questions to spark discussion among youth groups, educators, and community organisations:
What issues in your community would you like to help address?
What skills can young people develop through volunteerism?
How can schools and organisations create more opportunities for youth participation?
Acknowledgement
This feature is part of the SRC Youth Empowerment series, proudly supported by Juici Patties, our Youth Empowerment Partner, whose continued support helps amplify youth voices and leadership across Jamaica.
Explore More SRC Civic Learning Resources
Serenity Resource Connector continues to highlight individuals and initiatives that promote:
youth empowerment
civic engagement
community safety and development
local governance awareness
Explore more features and civic learning resources on the SRC blog:
Comments