In the busy lives many people lead, finding family time can be a challenge. But taking time to volunteer as a family can deliver a number of benefits, including the opportunity to spend time together, make a difference in the community, and create lasting memories. In addition, volunteering delivers a number of important benefits - especially to young people, including reducing rates of depression and anxiety and developing important life skills.
Find the right fit
To get started, have a family discussion about how you each want to give back to get everyone on the same page. You might find that interests align, which is great, but if family members have different thoughts on how they want to volunteer, try to find a compromise or rotate where you give your time. Looking for ideas? Read through some of Create the Good’s articles and do-it-yourself guides for inspiration. Or use search functions on sites like Create the Good®, Idealist, or VolunteerMatch, and choose opportunities for families. Doing Good Together highlights group volunteering opportunities and Kids that Do Good features volunteer opportunities for young people. Here are a few options, as well:
- Arrange to visit area nursing homes or assisted living facilities and spend time playing games or talking with residents
- Dig into a local community garden and help grow flowers and vegetables
- Volunteer at a local library reading books to children or helping out at a fundraiser
- Write letters to or make cards for isolated older adults or deployed military members
Be realistic about time commitments
You may find that squeezing volunteering into your busy lives is a challenge. The good news is that you can find volunteering opportunities even if you have only an hour or few to give per month. Contact local organizations to find out about their opportunities or look into volunteering with organizations that are already in your lives. For example, you might participate in (or organize) a food or coat drive at your house of worship or with your child’s team or club. Start small and work volunteering into your lives. Soon, you may find that it becomes a habit.
Understand age and other restrictions
Some volunteer opportunities, like animal shelters or shelters for unhoused people, may have age restrictions in place for everyone’s safety. If you run into such an obstacle, ask the nonprofit about family-friendly alternatives. You may be surprised at the opportunities. For instance, if you can’t serve food at a soup kitchen together, perhaps you can organize a collection or make homemade treats and deliver them to local first responders. Otherwise, there are plenty of ways to give back—just stay persistent in your search.
Create your own event
From organizing a community event to finding some time to pick up trash at a local park or community garden, your volunteering opportunities can be as creative as you are. Help your children learn the value of volunteering at an early age by donating toys, books and school supplies they’ve outgrown. Talk with them about what it means to give away their old things and how another child’s life could be improved.
Looking for more ways to give back as a family? Visit www.createthegood.org for more ideas.