Community Service - A Family's Guide To Getting Involved

What is one of the most important issues of this century? The war on drugs and crime? Caring for the elderly? The U.S. economy? Well, in a way, the answer is all of these topics, and many more. And community service and volunteerism are part of the solution to many of society's current problems.

How, and why, should you get your family involved in lending a helping hand? How can you set a good example for your children? The following information can help you and your family get a start in community service and volunteerism.

Reasons to Get Involved

It feels good. This is a very important part of volunteering. When you find an organization that you care about or a cause you feel strongly about, and you commit your time and effort, the rewards are endless. "When people are starting out in community service I always tell them to take it slow," says Sabina Corini, a volunteer coordinator. "You'll be surprised, though. Volunteering is a lot like chocolate - you've got to have more and more and more. That's how good it feels."

It strengthens your community. Organizations and agencies that make use of volunteers are providing important services at low or no cost to those who need them. When a community is doing well as a whole, the individuals are better off, too. Susan Sulzbacher-Collingwood, who takes care of volunteer assignments at a homeless shelter, says, "Our community is a safer place because we have given these homeless people food and shelter. We all benefit by a few helping those who need it."

It helps the economy. Just think about the goods and services produced by volunteers. Brian Smith, a volunteer development director, says, "For every volunteer, that's less money you and I have to pay the government to do something. There is a very real economic side to volunteerism. We save dollars by doing it. Imagine what we would save if everyone did it." Volunteering can also help your pocketbook by cutting down taxes.

It can teach useful skills. Want to improve your computer knowledge? You may get free on-the-job training. Have you been out of the workforce raising children? Volunteering may be a painless way for you to get back into the routine of working before taking the plunge into a paid position. And if you're looking for a career change, community service is a networker's dream. You can meet people who may offer opportunities you've never thought of. You can sample different workplaces and see how you like various fields. Your volunteering will definitely help others and may help you, too.

It can strengthen your family. Most people who shy away from volunteering insist they just don't have the time to give after fulfilling work and family commitments. Community activists say you can successfully combine volunteer service with family. Smith explains, "Volunteer projects bring family members closer. It brings them in touch with other strong families. It lets them do something that is truly worthwhile and is lots of fun - together."

Kids and Community Service

Although it's wonderful to volunteer as an individual - and that may be a good place to start if this is your first time getting involved in community service - involving children is important, too. If volunteering begins at an early age, it becomes part of a child's life, and something he just expects to do.

Rob, a high school senior, is a prime example. When Rob was a child, his parents often involved Rob in their community service efforts. Now as a high school senior, he spends 5 to 10 hours a week on volunteer projects, which range from spending time with parentless children to raising money for charities. Even with all his commitments, Rob maintains an A average in school and plays on the varsity tennis team. Although he says time gets tight, he couldn't imagine living any other way. "I've heard all my life from my parents that you always get back 10 times more than you give when you volunteer. I've spent 18 years listening to that message, and it's really paid off for me. I know it's true."

What Kids Can Learn From Community Service

A sense of responsibility. By volunteering, children and teens learn what it means to make and keep a commitment. They learn how to be on time for a job, do their best, and be proud of the results. But they also learn that ultimately we are responsible for the well-being of our entire community.

*The knowledge that one person can make a difference. A wonderful, empowering message for a child is that he is important enough to have an impact on someone or something else.

*The benefit of sacrifice. By giving up a toy to a less fortunate child, a child learns that it is good to sacrifice sometimes. Cutting back on recreation time to help clean up a beach tells kids that there are important things other than ourselves and our immediate needs.

*Tolerance. Working in community service will bring youngsters in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, ages, and education and income levels. They will find that even the most diverse individuals can be united by common values.

*Job skills. Just as volunteering can help an adult returning to work or looking to make a career change, community service can help young people decide on their future careers. Are they interested in the medical field? Hospitals and clinics often have teenage volunteer programs. Do they love politics? Kids can work on the real campaigns of local political candidates. Learning to work as a team member, taking on leadership, setting project goals - these are all skills that will serve a child well in any future career. They can all be gained by volunteering.

*Filling idle time wisely. Rob is often asked to speak to younger children about staying away from drugs and crime. He tells them to get involved and volunteer. "It gives them something good and fun to do so they're not at home getting bored and playing video games one day and out on the streets doing something much worse the next."

etting Involved

The Internet offers lots of sites for information on volunteer opportunities. You can also call a favorite charity directly to see if they have any needs or call your local volunteer clearinghouse. A volunteer clearinghouse matches up volunteers and community organizations. It can help you find openings at nonprofit organizations in your area. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

*What are your interests?

*What are your skills?

*Do you have any special needs?

*Do you have a method of transportation?

*How many hours a week do you have to volunteer?

*Why do you want to volunteer?

You'll be interviewed again once the clearinghouse matches you with an appropriate job. Some situations require more information. If you want to work with children, for instance, you may have to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check.

Be just as discriminating when you question the organizations. Find out exactly what's expected of you before you accept the position. Be realistic and ask specific questions.

When looking for a volunteer position, keep in mind that it may be difficult to find the perfect volunteer job. Be flexible, and keep looking if the agency you were referred to doesn't meet your needs. It may take a while to find a perfect fit, but once you do, it will be worth it! Once you do become involved, be responsible to those who depend on you. Be on time, dress appropriately, and let the volunteer coordinator know if you can't make it.

What Are Some Good Volunteer Jobs for Families and Children?

Families can do many volunteer jobs. Even the smallest child (with adult supervision) can pick up garbage at the park, playground, or beach. You don't even have to be part of a big effort to do this. Get your family together, find some garbage bags, and head out.

Or become involved in repair and renovation efforts for low-income residents. Younger children might not be able to do the big jobs, but helping out by fetching a paintbrush or holding the nails involves them just the same.

Work at a community foodbank or soup kitchen as a family. Find an organization that serves the elderly. Take food to shut-ins and visit with them. Your children can brighten a lonely senior's day instantly. Offer your family to help at the local animal shelter. Help plant flowers or trees. Design a computer newsletter for a nonprofit organization. The list of possibilities is endless.

Whatever you choose to do, volunteering and community service benefit both the community and you. Get involved today!

Updated and reviewed by: Kim Rutherford, MD
Date reviewed: June 2001
Originally reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD