One of the most common pieces of advice I give to families who are looking for ways to spend more quality time together is to seek out volunteer opportunities in which the family members can engage together. Not only can volunteering provide most people with a sense of purpose and pride, but it can teach our children valuable lessons which can sometimes otherwise get lost in the shuffle of every day life.
Here are some things I believe volunteering can provide for you and your families or friends:
1. A better sense of community. Many times we as individuals and family units become so wrapped up in activities and responsibilities that we forget that there are those surrounding us in each of our communities who are in need of services or goods that we otherwise may take for granted. We can often become so involved in our own tasks that we forget the community surrounding us, or don't have the time necessary to envelop ourselves in the community as active and contributory members. You'd probably be surprised to see the looks on your kids faces when they realize they can make real tangible differences in the well-being of their community and its members through simple volunteer work. So what have you done for your community lately? Ask not what your community can do for you... okay, you get the point!
2. It can strengthen your family in many ways. Families who volunteer together usually report a feeling of cohesion and accomplishment as a unit -- something we could all use reminders of now and then. Even families who initially feel they dont have the time for volunteer work can usually rearrange something in their schedule or reframe some of their free-time activities to accomodate even small acts of giving back. Think small at first -- maybe make baskets for needy families around the holidays, "adopt" a family who is in need of donations, play with animals who are awaiting adoption, or spend one night in a soup kitchen serving others dinner instead of yourselves. Small efforts are easier to manage and may provide a gateway for more time-consuming committments in the future, depending on your experiences.
3. A sense of responsibility for your kids. It is never too early to start teaching your children a good work ethic. If they sign on for a volunteer opportunity they will need to be on time and be responsible for functions of a team effort that requires their best effort and commitment. They may also get the feeling that just one person can make a difference, which can pervade through the rest of their lives' endeavors.
4. Teach tolerance and compassion. Families often choose to volunteer in areas outside their own community which can promote interaction with people of all backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, ages, and education levels. Kids may find common ground despite these differences, paving the way for more diverse future interactions and interests.
5. Filling free time more purposefully. Kids may learn by sacrificing their former "free" time to volunteer their time and skills that sacrifice is often necessary for the common good, and that life exists beyond their immediate wants and needs. It likely won't be as difficult as some might imagine to get your older teens involved -- trust me, if given the choice, they'd rather be out helping their communities than being seen in the mall with you! Let them bring a friend if that helps. You'll still be spending the time together, and the friend will be an added bonus to the project.
I recently discovered a great website which provides volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups based on geographical regions and interests. You can access the website here if you are interested in learning more.
We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.
~Winston Churchhill
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