Posts Tagged ‘family volunteering’

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10 Kid-Friendly Service Projects

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Today’s post comes from Karen Bantuveris, founder and CEO of Volunteer Spot.  It originally appeared November 15, 2010 on the Volunteer Spot blog.

As the frenzy of the holiday getting season is ramping up and nonprofits and volunteer leaders are deep into the service season, National Family Volunteer Day presents the perfect opportunity to carve out quality family time and focus on Giving Back together in a very personal way.  This Saturday, November 20th, families across the country are encouraged to engage their children in service activities and support causes they care about in any way they choose.

Why involve the whole family?
Volunteering together as a family helps kids learn that they can make a positive difference in the lives of others – and that feels downright inspiring and good.  Family service also cultivates empathy and helps children learn to recognize their personal good fortune and blessings.  Volunteering together fosters positive communication and strengthens bonds in ways no other activity can.  As an added holiday bonus, family memories and traditions made while volunteering together will last long after their shiny new toys have passed into recycle bins.

Ready to get started?  Check in with your local HandsOnNetwork Volunteer Center to see volunteering activities planned for Saturday, November 20th.  Or start your own family service project and include friends and neighbors, too!

10 Simple service activities for kids of all ages:

Younger Kids

  • Decorate reusable grocery bags and fill them with their favorite non-perishable food items.  Feeding America offers a  , searchable by zip code.
  • Stuff new, warm socks with water bottles and granola bars to give to homeless men and women you pass on street corners.
  • Decorate holiday cards for soldiers overseas. Red Cross-sponsored Holiday Mail for Heroes will deliver letters postmarked before Dec. 10, 2010.
  • Box up their gently used clothing to donate to your local family shelter, refugee center or charity thrift store.

Older Kids

  • Donate their gently used books and DVDs to a local children’s hospital.
  • Make holiday decorations and cards and then sing carols for nursing home residents.  Call ahead to schedule a visit.
  • Engage a team of secret friends to clandestinely rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor for a whole month.
  • Collect used towels and pet toys for the local animal shelter.
  • Host a hot chocolate or cider stand and donate the proceeds to a charity of their choosing.
  • Adopt a family for the Holidays through a local business or faith group, and have your kids help shop for that family.

Making it a Habit

Volunteering as a family while kids are young develops a positive service habit that sticks long into adulthood.  Use the following four tips to help ensure your kids understand the impact of their good deeds.

  • Celebrate your service!
  • If donating goods or money to a local charity, deliver the items with your kids in person so they can better internalize how they helped make a difference.
  • Be sure to talk about your family’s service experience.  Discuss what you did, why you did it, how it felt, and what you learned.
  • Build on your kids’ enthusiasm and right then choose your next service project together.

More Ways to Give Back

Family Friendly Volunteering: Ideas from A-Z — a free eBook by VolunteerSpot

GenerationOn — resources for kids, teens, parents and teachers.

Doing Good Together — project ideas for home and in the community.

Karen Bantuveris - VolunteerSpot CEOKaren Bantuveris is the founder & CEO of VolunteerSpot, a time and sanity-saving online coordination tool that empowers busy parents, teachers and grassroots community leaders by making it easier get involved.  VolunteerSpot’s free sign up sheets can be used for organizing anything – classroom volunteers, snack schedules, charity fun-runs, tournaments, community potlucks, holiday parties, Giving Trees and more.  Karen is passionate about increasing parent participation in schools, engaging parents to fund education technology, and using new media tools to inspire social action in the ‘real’ world.  Karen lives in Austin, TX with her husband and daughter.

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Get HandsOn Tag Challenge Update!

Yesterday’s Get HandsOn Tag Master was the Chicago Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums!  They’ve won a pair of round trip tickets on JetBlue, $25 for themselves, and $100 for their favorite charity!

Today’s Celebrity Tag is !  Tag Demi for swag!

Are YOU up to the challenge?

Tags: , , Volunteer Spot
Posted in Volunteerism | 4 Comments »

Volunteering as a Family

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Today’s post comes from Kate Hannigan Issa, co-author of The Good Fun! Book: 12 Months of Parties That Celebrate Service.

“What’s this stuff called again?”

“Mulch.”

“Mulsh? Well, I love it.”

That was an exchange I had a few times with my kindergartner last month as we worked together on a playground build with KaBoom, a nonprofit that provides play spaces in underserved communities around the country.

My kindergartner was beside himself with joy that he got to use a shovel and tackle an enormous pile of woodchips.  To him, the hard work of moving a 6-foot pile of mulch and spreading it under the bright red play equipment was all fun.  And he happily worked on that mulch pile for 90 minutes without a single complaint.

For his dad and me, we took joy in his excitement in wanting to help out.  His big brother and sister, a third-grader and fifth-grader, were delighted to grab some equipment and get to work too – showing enthusiasm unlike anything we see at home when it’s time to make the beds or pick up the abandoned Legos.

What made the Kaboom service day special was that our kids immediately recognized they were part of something bigger than themselves.  More than 400 volunteers had turned out – the build took place on Make a Difference Day – and there was a spirit in the air that was palpable, even for the youngest volunteers.

“This is so fun,” my daughter said as she tossed scoop after scoop of woodchips onto bright blue tarps. “I wish we could do this again next weekend.”

That sentiment rang true with me too, and I wondered about our typical Saturday schedule of soccer games and ballet lessons and puppy training classes. Sometimes life feels too busy for activities like this.

But once per month?  Or once each season?  That feels more realistic.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and his daughter, Claire, work together at a KaBoom playground build on Oct. 23 in Washington, D.C.By volunteering as a family to work together on the Kaboom build, we offered our kids a break from the routine, showing them that a service activity was important enough that all five of us should be involved.  And we shared a day together as a family.  With our hectic schedules, that felt priceless.

As parents, working side by side with our kids on a volunteer project provided a rare opportunity to cultivate the intangibles in life: empathy, compassion, social justice, the power of the group, pride in a job well-done.

And for the kids, they took obvious pride in what they’d helped accomplish. In one afternoon, they saw an empty field transform into an enormous playground with tempting equipment.  It was clear in their comments and in their faces that they were genuinely happy for the kids who were going to get to enjoy this incredible new space. They were connecting the dots.

“These kids are so lucky,” my third-grade son said as he surveyed the shiny new slides and monkey bars.

And as I stood there beside my three kids, I thought, Yes, but they’re not the only lucky ones. With volunteering, the good goes both ways.

We headed for the parking lot after a long day of physical work, and the aches in our shoulders were satisfying in a way. All of us were still marveling at the playground we were leaving behind.

“What’s this stuff called?” my often forgetful kindergartner asked me again as we turned in our equipment.

“Mulch.”

“Right, mulsh. Can I keep the shovel?”

Kate Hannigan Issa is the co-author of “The Good Fun! Book: 12 Months of Parties That Celebrate Service” (Blue Marlin, 2010) along with Karen Duncan.  Learn more about the book at www.thegoodfunbook.com.

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Get HandsOn Tag Challenge Update!

Yesterday’s Get HandsOn Tag Master was Mei Zheng!  Mei has won a pair of round trip tickets on JetBlue, $25 for themself, and $100 for their favorite charity!

Today’s Celebrity Tag is !  Tag will.i.am for swag!

Are YOU up to the challenge?

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Volunteerism | 1 Comment »

8 Tips for a Successful Family Volunteering Day

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

Family Volunteer Day 2010 will be celebrated November 20th.  Commemorated annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Family Volunteer Day kicks off the holiday season with the spirit of giving and service.

Volunteering as a family provides a fun way for families to make memories together while making significant contributions to their communities.

It also teaches children the values of kindness and giving back, ideas which complement the gift giving season.

Family members use their talents to work on an issue they feel passionate about.

Serving together builds problem solving skills and strengthens communication within the whole family.

Make your volunteering experience a success!

Check out these tips:

  1. Find a volunteer activity that fits your family’s interests, schedules and that the kids can help plan.
  2. Start small.  Consider a one-time event such as or a short-term activity, such as Family Volunteer Day, before making a long-term commitment.
  3. Find out what’s expected.   Ask about age requirements, safety considerations, and appropriate dress.  Attend orientation or training sessions if offered.
  4. Show up on time.  Be ready to do what is needed.
  5. Be patient with small children and keep them involved by praising their efforts.
  6. Talk about the experience on your drive home or during a family meal. Discuss what you did, why you did it, how it felt, and what you learned.  Celebrate your efforts.
  7. Get input from all family members in planning future activities.
  8. Encourage other families to participate with you.

Looking for an opportunity or project ideas?

Visit these websites:

  • generationOn can help you find project ideas for kids and families.
  • Kids Care Clubs show you how you can start a service club with your children and their peers.
  • Doing Good Together inspires, encourages and equips families to volunteer together.
  • Find a HandsOn Action Center for volunteer activities and other resources for family volunteering.

Check out Volunteer Spot‘s list of family-friendly volunteering ideas!

Related Posts

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Get HandsOn Tag Challenge Update!

Today’s Celebrity Tag is Matt Damon!  Tag Matt for swag!

Matt Damon

Are YOU up to the challenge?

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Posted in Volunteering | 1 Comment »

Everything Changes When You Volunteer with Your Kids

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Maureen Byrne, Director, Youth and Family Engagement, generationOn

I love to be around babies.  Coming from a family of nine children, I spent a good amount of time taking caring of babies and became a sought after babysitter in my neighborhood because of my experience.   My daughter developed a similar love for babies holding and cuddling her 16 cousins.   Later, in middle school, my daughter became a certified Red Cross babysitter.  She quickly whipped up a resume, and made flyers announcing her passion, experience and availability but she was too young to take care of babies on her own and had no customers.  By high school, all of her cousins had grown up and she routinely lamented the fact that there were no more babies to hold.

When she found out that we could volunteer at a home that helps homeless teen moms with newborns, she jumped at the chance.  It was a shared interest and the time worked for both of us — early evening.  It was not too far away.  As a working mom, I can always use more opportunities to spend “quality time” with my teenage daughter.   For two hours each week, we held and fed the teen mom’s babies.  Unlike me, my daughter liked changing diapers!  At the end of the evening, she reported to the moms how “it” went and they appreciated her comments about their adorable and well-behaved babies.

By volunteering together, my daughter learned more than what it means to care for a newborn.  She learned how helping others can be transformative.  She developed confidence in herself and her abilities.  She encouraged a few of her friends to join her and demonstrated leadership by advising the other teen sitters.  I appreciated the interaction she had with the older teen moms from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.  I noticed the way my daughter felt needed, that her efforts were valued.    Volunteering together and knowing it provided a meaningful service for the moms, who had to go to class or work as a requirement to live at the home brought us closer together.  Our discussions about the babies, their moms, their parenting styles and the difficulties of being a teen mom made me feel closer to my daughter.

Our experience made me realize that volunteering with your kids has big benefits.  It teaches children the values of kindness, compassion, tolerance and community responsibility.  Family members use their talents to work on an issue they feel passionate about and feel valued for their contributions.  It strengthens communication and allows family members to be role models.  It builds shared memories.   It helps your community. ( and it is fun!)

To make the most out of volunteering as a family, check out these tips:

  • Find a volunteer activity that fits your family’s interests, schedules and that the kids can help plan.
  • Start small.  Consider a one-time event such as Family Volunteer Day or a short-term activity, before making a long-term commitment.
  • Find out what’s expected.   Ask about age requirements, safety considerations, and appropriate dress.  Attend orientation or training sessions if offered.
  • Show up on time.  Be ready to do what is needed.
  • Be patient with small children and keep them involved by praising their efforts.
  • Afterwards, talk about the experience on your drive home or during a family meal. Talk about what you did, why you did it, how it felt, and what you learned.  Celebrate your efforts. It will make all of you feel like doing it again.
  • Keep a family-volunteering scrapbook or create a family volunteering calendar. Get input from all family members in planning future activities.
  • Encourage other families you know to participate with you.

The experience of spending time with my daughter doing something we both enjoyed, worked well for both of us.

And now, she has more babysitting offers than her teenage social life permits!

Want to try family volunteering?

  • Call your department of social services to learn about your community’s needs.
  • Check out FamilyCares for family friendly project ideas.
  • Go to Kids Care Clubs learn how you can start a service club with your children and their peers.
  • Check out Doing Good Together’s family service ideas.
  • Find a HandsOn Action Center near you for volunteer activities and other resources for family volunteering .

This post was originally published as a guest post on Blogher.com.

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Posted in Education, Equip, Get HandsOn, Inspire, Mobilize, News & Links, Service, Volunteer Reflection, Volunteering, Volunteerism | 1 Comment »

Is Your Volunteer Project Family Friendly?

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Whether you’re planning a family friendly project or looking for one, this family friendly volunteer project checklist will help you make sure the project is family friendly.

Family Friendly Volunteer Project Checklist

Is the physical environment family friendly?

  • Will the physical space accommodate all  the activities planned and volunteers attending?
  • Is the physical space child-proof?
  • Are there restrooms and water available?
  • What accommodations have been made for first aid and emergency/CPR?
  • Will there be anyone with technical expertise on site?
  • Accommodations made for all ages
  • Does the nonprofit or agency have volunteer insurance?

Has the project been developed in a child conscious way?

  • The project description says it is family friendly – does it say what aged children are welcome?
  • Does the project last no more than two to three hours if younger children are welcome?
  • Have age-appropriate tasks been identified for children of all welcome age ranges?
  • Will the children be acknowledged by staff or volunteer leaders?
  • Will parents perceive the project as a valuable experience for children?
  • If needed, will transportation be provided for children?

Will volunteers of all ages receive appropriate training?

  • Will volunteers of all ages receive proper instruction upon arrival?
  • is proper equipment available for all project tasks?
  • Will clear, easy-to-understand directions be provided?

Will young volunteers be recognized?

  • Will volunteers be greeted as a family and acknowledged by name?
  • Does the project promise a fun atmosphere—smiles, fun, music?
  • Is there a recognition or awards ceremony for volunteers – especially young ones?

Does the project allow families to serve together?

  • Will families serve together?
  • Will the volunteer projects tasks allow parents to stay with and supervise their children?  If not, is there someone else who will?
  • Will there be adequate supervision by both staff and volunteers?
  • Does the project provide family-oriented practice in community leadership?

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Posted in Education, Equip, Service, Tools You Can Use, Volunteer Management, Volunteering, Volunteerism | 1 Comment »

6 Ways Family Volunteering Benefits Businesses

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

1. Family Volunteering increases employee morale and builds a positive attitude in the workplace.

2. Family Volunteering improves the workplace by breaking down barriers among employees, reinforcing teamwork and building commitment.

3. Family Volunteering in the workplace adds an extra dimension of sharing, caring and creates a sense of community among employees.

4. Family Volunteering enhances quality time for families by allowing learning opportunities and positive role modeling for children.

5. Family Volunteering provides opportunity for skill development in such areas as leadership, problem-solving, and public speaking, as well as improved organizational skills.

6. Family Volunteering has a positive impact on a company’s image in the community and demonstrates the commitment of a company and its employees to the communities in which it is doing business.

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Posted in Service, Volunteering, Volunteerism | 3 Comments »

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