Getting Started

To help get you started with your adventure in community building, we've created a short list of questions to consider and tips to help you in deciding what will be the best fit for you and your kids. Get everyone involved in thinking about what you want to do.

What are you interested in? What issues are you passionate about? If you care about the work you are doing, you will share that enthusiasm with your child. And passing on that concern for connecting with the community around us is what is all about. The scope of projects and issues that you can involve your kids in is endless. Housing, emergency relief, animals, and the environment, just to name a few. The opportunities listed here with are only a starting point. Please e-mail us if you have an idea for a project or know of an agency not listed here.

What are you and your child "good at" and what do you want them to learn? It's important to think about the skills involved in the activity you are considering. And think about what you would like for them to learn from the experience.

You want to pick something that your child will be able to do (even a bit challenging is fine) and actually enjoy doing. Think about what they already show a liking for - for example, if it's sorting and stacking blocks, your preschooler is a great candidate for the food pantry!

The exception to this is for very small children. They may be too young to actually participate, but that doesn't mean they can't contribute or you should wait to get involved. Babies and toddlers are a great source of joy for seniors, among other activities. And if you want to get out in the community and connect with other families there are lots of opportunities that you can do, even if you have an infant. Meals on Wheels, taking lunch to a Habitat for Humanity work site and helping out at special events at just a few examples.

What is your child's age and attention span? Related to the above consideration, think about what your child can handle. What activity level is best for your child? Does he or she do better in small groups or one-on-one activities? How long does he or she typically "last" in a planned activity. It's important to take other volunteers and staff into consideration when deciding what you activity will be the best fit for you and your child.

What kind of commitment are you able to make? Its important to consider your schedule and how much time you will have to commit to a volunteer activity. One-time activities, whether a regular activity at a local agency or a special event, are a great way to test things out. It's often best to start small and build on those experiences. See what works for your family.

One-time activities can also be a great, no-strings-attached way to introduce community service to your kids and into your schedule. Through you can sign up for one activity, sign up for a series of different activities with various agencies, or go through the On Your Own ideas to come up with an activity that best fits your schedule and time.

Making an ongoing commitment to an activity is a great way to build service into your life. Through an on-going activity you and your kids can build relationships with the agency and other participants. Making and honoring a commitment is an important lesson that you can teach your child through volunteering.

Talk about it. Before you get started, talk with your kids about the activity. Tell them exactly what you will be doing, what is expected and how they should behave. Explain to them how what you are doing will help others. Share with them your desire make a difference in the community and why volunteering is important to you.

Invite others to join you. Volunteering is a great way to share your commitment to community with others around you and help you to make an even greater impact. Plus, its more fun. Volunteering is contagious!

HAVE FUN!!! It's key that you show your enthusiasm for what you are doing. The more fun you have the more likely your kids will be excited about doing more.