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Volunteering: Let's Get Started!
An Excerpt from The Busy Family's Guide to Volunteering: Doing Good Together
By Jenny Friedman
It's usually best to start small. A one-time commitment is a good way to begin; it allows your family to sample different types of volunteer activities without promising to be there for the long haul. Try a walk for charity, or cook a Thanksgiving dinner at a soup kitchen. Each chapter of this book includes a variety of simple and inexpensive volunteering options. Then take on something more regular if your family enjoyed the experience and has more time to give. But don't over commit. It's much easier and more comfortable to increase your volunteer time rather than having to cut back because you've taken on too much.
What causes or issues are important to your family?
This means thinking about what matters to you. Are you focused on political issues or are you more social service-minded? Would you prefer to work with older adults or young children? Each chapter of this book focuses on a particular area of interest. Think about which topics your family feels most strongly about, and find a volunteer job that reflects those passions. What are the ages of your children?
Find a volunteer opportunity that's appropriate to your children's ages and maturity levels. Some activities might be too difficult for younger kids because they require a long attention span, higher-level skills or emotional maturity. If you're uncertain about whether your child can handle a particular job, visit the agency and speak with the volunteer coordinator. But remember, families can design volunteer participation for any age child. Even babies and toddlers can take part in charity walks, meal deliveries or visits to a nursing hme. What times and locations are most convenient for your family?