Why should children volunteer?
GIVING
BY KIM DONAHOE Director of Marketing and Communications Southwest Florida Community Foundation
Just as with adults, there are so many benefits to allowing a child to volunteer in the community. Volunteering doesn't just provide schoolrequired community service hours (for many of the area schools), but it also allows children to develop social skills, a sense of accomplishment and self-worth through helping others.
Allowing your children to volunteer in our community can expose them to people of all ages, which can be especially important to those who do not have grandparents living in the area. For older children, volunteering becomes an opportunity to explore possible career interests before going to college or entering a job upon graduation. Volunteering provides an activity that promotes healthy life choices.
Working as volunteers, children strengthen our local community, providing a valuable and much needed service to the nonprofit agencies that support our community. But more importantly, they develop an understanding of the need to support their community, encouraging a lifelong community service ethic.
Volunteering can be a whole family experience; providing a chance for you and your children to learn more about each other's interests.
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When discussing children as volunteers, most make the distinction between children under 14 and those 14-21. Younger children may need to start out volunteering as part of a family activity or with a group such as scouts or a church youth group. No matter what the age it may be easier to start by inviting a friend to participate.
Have an open mind and remember that children are often quick to learn and older children will want to take on new responsibilities.
Ask your child about their interests. Maybe they want to
learn about something new or meet others with similar interests. Places you
might consider are your church, an animal shelter, a retirement facility, an art
center, a local hospital, etc. Or you might look at www.volunteerlee.org
for more volunteer opportunities.
Tips for Success:
Make sure there is a clear role description for the
child.
They need to know exactly what is expected of them.
Smaller children have a shorter attention span so make sure tasks are goal oriented (that they can see their results) and possibly break down larger tasks into a series of smaller, more manageable tasks.
Parents/guardians should be aware of what their children are getting involved in and verify what safety/ protection policies and guidelines are in place.
Have them bring a friend, start out as part of a group (scouts, church youth group, etc.) or participate as a family.
If the first attempt doesn't work out, don't give up. Just as with adults, there are personalities, schedules, likes and talents to consider. It can take time to find the right fit. When you do, the effort is well worth the benefits for everyone involved.
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been supporting the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry through endowed funds for more than 30 years. With assets of more than $57 million and 314 endowed funds, the community foundation has provided more than $30 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves.
For more information, please call 274-5900, or visit their web site at www.floridacommunity. com.
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