There is no shortage of nonprofit agencies in the midstate that depend upon in-kind, hands-on assistance from caring individuals. Yet many people who would otherwise be thrilled to give those organizations a few of their hours a month hesitate to take time away from their spouses and children. In their minds, volunteering is an “either-or” prospect – either volunteer alone or spend time at home with the family.
Thankfully, volunteering isn’t black and white. There are plenty of opportunities for families to volunteer as a team. Doing so offers a chance to merge two very critical parenting concepts: demonstrating the importance of community support and spending time together as a family. If you’re interested in pursuing family volunteering but have never done so before, why not start by following our step-by-step guide?
Step One: Determine the Type of Charity You Want to Help
It’s tough to volunteer as a team if you’re not all interested in the overarching mission of the organization. So take some time around the family dinner table to discuss the types of charities that would be attractive to everyone in your family. Do you want to help the homeless? Assist women and children?
For Denise Rush of Carlisle, a familial commitment to helping animals in need led her family to volunteer for Furry Friends Network, a rescue group in Boiling Springs. She’s proud of the difference they’ve made together. “People tend to have ‘tunnel vision’ and just ignore everything and everybody that is not in their line of vision. Volunteering can be a life-changing wake up call to alert you to the varied needs that there are in this world,” she says.
Step Two: Figure Out the Practical Scope of Your Family Volunteering
After your family agrees on one or two charity types, it’s time decide what you can realistically do. Each family is different, and yours has unique needs and abilities. If you have very young children, you may not be able to volunteer in certain capacities. (You don’t want your son or daughter to be bored!) On the other hand, if you have tweens or teens, you might be able to volunteer for opportunities that require some level of responsibility, such as fundraising. Even if you can only offer to stuff envelopes or put stamps on postcards with your kids, it will still be a boon for the charity.
As Mark Mattern, director of development for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, explains, “If you’re not 16, you can’t be physically on [a Habitat] worksite while construction is going on. But you could do yard work. We have volunteers [of all ages] that come into our office and help us with mailings. We’ll find something for them to do.”
Step Three: Investigate
Area Charities
Now that you’ve decided which types of charities you’d be most interested in supporting and how you can realistically assist them, it’s time to investigate which are available. For instance, if you decide you and your kids are interested in working with stray cats and dogs, you might want to check out your local animal shelters and animal rescue operations. Most will have Web sites that give you a feel for how they work, but do pick up the phone if you have additional questions.
Step Four: Start Slowly by
Attending a Charity Function
Nonprofits have regular functions in order to raise awareness and funds. Find out when the next one will be and make plans to attend with your family. Once there, you’ll get a good feel for the dynamic of the group. You may fit right in, but if you don’t, that’s ok, too. Just make sure you don’t jump in headfirst before checking the temperature of the water.
Step Five: Begin Your Family
Volunteering Journey!
Once you and your family have designated a nonprofit, you can begin your volunteering experience. During the process, you can expect to grow closer as a unit; additionally, your kids will grow up realizing how important it is to be a part of their neighborhoods and communities. In time, family volunteering will become a routine you and your children will eagerly anticipate. As Mattern chuckles, “Kids get to see Mom and Dad in a different light. They’re in work boots and jeans and grubby shirts… at the end of the day, everyone is tired, [but] they get to take away a feeling of accomplishment.”
Angelique Caffrey is a frequent contributor to Central Penn Parent. She lives in Camp Hill with her husband and son.
Variations on Family Volunteering
1. Volunteer with your extended family, too. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins can all join in!
2. Take a family volunteering vacation. There are national and international organizations such as the Nature Conservatory and Earthwatch Institute that would love your help.
3. If your son or daughter becomes quite involved in volunteering, he or she may want to invite friends to partake in fundraising or behind-the-scenes activities.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
1. Not all nonprofits can accommodate family unit volunteers. Some deal with subject matter that is inappropriate for children to experience.
2. Don’t force family volunteering on your kids; they will only resent it later. Start very small.
3. If you’re a single parent and have joint or shared custody, make sure that your
family volunteering schedule will not interfere with the time your child spends with your ex.