Community Service: A Family's Guide to Getting InvolvedIt'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 InvolvedWhy should your family lend a helping hand?
What Kids Can Learn From VolunteeringIf 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:
Volunteering on Your OwnIf you've never been involved in community service before, volunteering as an individual may be a good place to start. Want to improve your computer knowledge? You may get free on-the-job training. Have you been out of the workforce raising children? Volunteering may be a painless way for you to get back into the routine of working before taking the plunge into a paid position. And if you're looking for a career change, community service is a networker's dream. You can meet people who may offer opportunities you've never thought of. You can sample different workplaces and see how you like various fields. Your volunteering will definitely help others and may help you, too. Getting Your Family InvolvedThe 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 look up "Volunteerism" in the phone book in the Human Services section (often in the blue pages). 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. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
You'll probably be interviewed again once the clearinghouse 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 do 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 KidsFamilies 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! Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD | |