It's easy to feel disconnected, as many parents juggle work, school, kids, and
activity after activity. But some simple things can bring a family closer —
playing a game, going for a hike, or cooking a meal together.
One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is volunteering for
community service projects. Volunteerism also sets a good example for your kids and
helps the community.
Reasons to Get Involved
Why should your family lend a helping hand?
- It feels good. The satisfaction and pride that come from helping
others are important reasons to volunteer. When you commit your time and effort to
an organization or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfillment can
be endless.
- It strengthens your community. Organizations and agencies that
use volunteers are providing important services at low or no cost to those who need
them. When a community is doing well as a whole, its individuals are better off, too.
- It can strengthen your family. Volunteering is a great way for
families to have fun and feel closer. But it can be hard to find the time to volunteer.
So try rethinking some of your free time as a family. You could select just one or
two projects a year and make them a family tradition (for example, making and donating
gift baskets to care facilities for the elderly around the holidays).
What Kids Can Learn From Volunteering
If volunteering begins at an early age, it can become part of kids' lives —
something they might just expect and want to do.
It can teach them:
- A sense of responsibility. Kids and teens learn what it means
to make and keep a commitment. They learn how to be on time for a job, do their best,
and be proud of the results. But they also learn that, ultimately, we're all responsible
for the well-being of our communities.
- That one person can make a difference. A wonderful, empowering
message for kids is that they're important enough to have an impact on someone or
something else.
- The benefit of sacrifice. By giving up a toy to a less fortunate
child, a child learns that sometimes it's good to sacrifice and that there are important
things besides ourselves and our immediate needs.
- Tolerance. Working in community service
can bring kids and teens in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities,
ethnicities, ages, and education and income levels. They'll learn that even the most
diverse individuals can be united by common values.
- Job skills. Community service can help young people decide on
their future careers. Are they interested in the medical field? Hospitals and clinics
often have teenage volunteer programs. Do they love politics? Kids can work on the
real campaigns of local political candidates. Learning to work as a team member, taking
on leadership roles, setting project goals — these are all skills that can be
gained by volunteering and will serve kids well in any future career.
- How to fill idle time wisely. If kids aren't involved in traditional
after-school activities, community service can be a wonderful alternative.
Getting Your Family Involved
The Internet offers lots of sites with information about volunteer opportunities.
You can also call a favorite charity, hospital, or church directly to see if they
have any needs. Or contact a local volunteer clearinghouse,
which matches up volunteers and community organizations and can help you find openings
at nonprofit organizations in your area.
When looking for a volunteer position, remember that it may be difficult to find
the perfect volunteer slot. Be flexible, and keep looking if the agency you were referred
to doesn't meet your needs. It may take a while to find a perfect fit, but once you
do, it will be worth it.
Good Volunteer Jobs for Families and Kids
Families can do many volunteer jobs. Even the smallest child (with adult supervision)
can pick up garbage at the park, playground, or beach. You don't even have to be part
of a big effort to do this. Get your family together, find some garbage bags, and
head out.
Or become involved in repair and renovation efforts for low-income residents. Younger
kids might not be able to do the big jobs, but helping out by fetching a paintbrush
or holding the nails involves them just the same.
Work at a community food bank or soup kitchen as a family. Find an organization
that serves the elderly. Take food to people who are homebound and visit with them.
Your kids can brighten a lonely senior's day instantly. Offer your family's help at
the local animal shelter. Help plant flowers or trees. The possibilities are endless.
Whatever you choose to do, volunteering and community service can benefit both
the community and your family. Get involved today!
