Family Volunteering

These days, more and more American families seem to be getting into the giving spirit. A recently conducted Gallup survey indicates that more than one third of American households volunteer together as a regular part of their family life. The most popular activities include helping older people, working with youth programs, helping church or religious programs, assisting in sports or school programs, participating in environmental programs, and serving the homeless.

If you have been looking for unique, rewarding and free ways to spend quality time with your loved ones, look no further. Volunteering together in your community can be a fun and memorable experience for every member of the family.

No matter how big or small your volunteer activity, your family will make a positive difference.

The following ideas will help you get started:

1. The first step is to choose a volunteer project that fits your family’s needs.

Plan a time to get together to talk about project ideas. The planning stage is an important part of the volunteer process. Make sure that everyone feels included.

Brainstorm a list of the people or organizations you would like to help.

Consider things you like to do or are good at. Is there a particular cause you feel passionate about, such as feeding homeless people, helping animals or protecting the environment?

Decide how much free time you have to volunteer . It could be once a week, once a month or once a year. It is a good idea to start with a one time project. Try out a variety of organizations before you commit to one on an ongoing basis.

Find a project that meets your needs. Many organizations in southern Nevada welcome family volunteers. The Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada is a great resource for locating volunteer opportunities.

Contact an organization and ask them about projects for families.

Let them know how many adults and the number and ages of children who would be coming. Find out about the project – who it helps, if any special skills are required, and what you should do to prepare.

2. Get Ready – The key to a successful volunteer project is being prepared.

Talk with your family about what it means to help someone. Were there times when other people helped you? Remember that helping works in both directions – everyone gains something, including the volunteers.

Discuss how others are helping. Talk about the many people who dedicate their time as volunteers. Share articles and stories from the news.

Collect the supplies you will need for your project.

Get in the know. Learn more about the groups you are helping. Understanding the people or place you are trying to help will make the project more meaningful.

3. Volunteer

Be prepared. Bring any supplies you have gathered and arrive at your project site promptly so the volunteer coordinator has time to give you instructions.

Make sure that everyone in your family has a task so they all feel involved in the project.

Bring snacks. The project site may not have food available.

Check in with your family during the project to see how they are doing and ask how they are feeling.

4. Take Time to Reflect

After you volunteer, gather the family together to talk about your volunteer experience. This gives you a chance to discuss what happened as a volunteer, express your thoughts and feelings, and to connect your experience to the larger world.

Discuss what you learned from this experience and also what, if anything, you would do differently next time.

Keep reading. After a volunteer experience is a good time to read books that relate to your activity. This often encourages further discussion and may inspire future participation.

5. Keep Helping

Make volunteering an ongoing family activity. You might choose to continue with the same project or try a new one.

Here are some additional ways you can keep volunteering:

Turn family birthday parties into celebrations of giving. Ask your guests to bring pet supplies for an animal shelter or toys for an organization that gives gifts to kids.

Make repeat visits. Once a month visit a senior citizen center or daycare and bring cupcakes.

Start family traditions , like serving meals at a soup kitchen at Thanksgiving or planting a tree every Earth Day.

Set aside one day a month to take part in a volunteer project. Give everyone in your family a chance to choose a project.

Take part in National Family Volunteer Day. Every November, the Points of Light Foundation sponsors a day to encourage families across the country to get involved in volunteering. To take part, call 1 800 VOLUNTEER

Resources

www.volunteercentersn.org
www.1-800-volunteer.org
www.idealist.org