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. Volunteerism is a great way for
families to have fun and feel closer. But many people say they don't have the
time to volunteer after fulfilling work and family commitments. If that's the
case, 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.
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. By volunteering, 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 we are
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. Cutting back on
recreation time to help clean up a beach tells kids 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,
ethnicity's, 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 animals? Kids can work with pets at a local shelter. 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 Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works with over 130
member agencies with over 180 volunteer opportunities. The VCCV may ask questions such as:
·
What are your interests?
·
What are your skills?
·
Do you have any special
needs?
·
Do you have a method of
transportation?
·
How many hours a week do
you have to volunteer?
·
Why do you want to
volunteer?
You'll probably be interviewed again once the VCCV matches you with an
appropriate job. Some situations require more information. If you want to work
with kids, for instance, you may have to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal
background check.
Be sure to be just as thorough when you question the organizations. Find
out exactly what's expected of you before you accept the volunteer position. Be
realistic and ask specific questions.
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.
Once you become involved, be responsible to those who depend on you. Be on
time, dress appropriately, and let the volunteer coordinator know if you can't
make 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 home-bound and
visit with them. Your kids can brighten a lonely seniors 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!
Thanks to Steven Dowshen, MD.
