Family Volunteering is...
Two or more people doing service together.
All families are different - A family could be a father and child, older and younger siblings, grandparents and grandkids, an aunt and a niece, a babysitter and the children she cares for.
Any combination of at least one adult and one child is a family!
Family volunteering supports our communities and strengthens our families.
Volunteering as a family provides numerous benefits:
- Children develop compassion and an understanding for others. Involving children in volunteer service helps them feel appreciated and respected, acquire new skills, and learn the importance of serving the community.
- Parents have the opportunity to spend more time with their kids while instilling important values and sharing meaningful conversations in a positive environment.
- Communities benefit from additional volunteers helping the homeless, elderly, children, the environment, the arts, and more.
Studies show that children who volunteer are much more likely to continue as adults.
They carry on the tradition in their own families!
Getting Started
Family Volunteering can happen in your home or out in the community. The following links provide multiple ideas to get your family started as family volunteers!
Volunteer at Home
Our list of "Kitchen Table Projects" is perfect for families with children under the age of 7.
Our list includes 20 easy ways your family can get started volunteering in your own home!
Check out our ideas, and if you have any others, let us know!
Volunteer in the Community
The following family opportunities are available at our member agencies:
Big Family - As a family, help mentor a child! Have fun, be a kid again, and share your family experiences with a child who needs a friend. Bake cookies, play sports, watch a movie, go bowling, and help with homework! Doing so will help improve a child's confidence, self-esteem, and help form lifelong friendships!
Adopt a Grandparent - Your family will be matched with a senior who would benefit from occasional visits and phone calls. This opportunity can fit easily into your schedule, no matter how busy you are! Adopting a grandparent allows you to be as involved as you would like. It is a great way for your whole family to get involved!
Phenology Wizard - Phenology is the study of the changes in plants and animals over time. As a Phenology Wizard your family will walk the trails at Lac Lawrann and record what you see (plants blooming, birds flying, etc.,). Over time this will provide the Phenology of specific species at Lac Lawrann. This is a great way to spend time with your family and nature!
More Family Volunteer Opportunities are coming in 2011!
To view all current family volunteering opportunities, visit our registry and enter "family" as the keyword.
