If you've stumbled upon this site, chances are good that you care about making the world a better place. Maybe there's a cause you already care deeply about or an organization you contribute money to each year. Perhaps you even volunteer yourself or make it a point to do something as a family around the holidays.
As a "do-gooder" (otherwise known as someone who cares and wants to see change), you probably find yourself with that nagging feeling of "wanting to do more". Or maybe it's the realization that your kids need to be exposed to the needs within the community and see beyond their home-school-activity bubble. Whatever the underlying reason may be, starting down the path of changemaker is often where we get stuck!
Like any new habit one wants to commit to, getting started is usually the hardest step. We've gathered three easy, low commitment and of course, fun ways to make volunteering a thing your family does.
How to make volunteering something your family does
1. Tap into what your family already cares about
It is animals? Homelessness? Making cards for isolated seniors? If you don't know what to focus on, try a variety of projects and volunteering opportunities. Through this try-it-out approach, you can find those projects that spark joy in the kids or a community need that they naturally lean towards.
Next step? Follow local nonprofits, like Tucson Family Volunteers, on social media and sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop for family volunteering opportunities. You never know what cool give-back opportunity may be available for you to participate in as a family and jumpstart your do-gooding!
A family volunteers together on a Saturday morning to clean a local park.
2. Lead a volunteering project together as a family
Your skills are needed - whatever they may be. From organizing supplies to setting out materials for a project to taking photos and videos, your talents are extremely beneficial to making the community a better place to be. Your skills can have a positive influence; not only for the benefiting nonprofit, but also when your kids see you using your expertise to make a difference.
What to do next? Plant the seeds of volunteering - and leadership - in your kids and sign up to lead a volunteer project together on a monthly or quarterly basis. Learn about becoming a Volunteer Project Leader and how your kids can lead as well.
3. Schedule it on the family calendar
Like any new habit, accountability is the #1 way to achieve a goal! Find a volunteer project that sounds fun, schedule it on the family calendar and show up on the day of. If we want to see change, then we have to commit to being part of that change. We're all busy and time-pressed; volunteering is a worthwhile way to spend your family's time and energy. It's one of the easiest and best ways to check multiple Family Time boxes in one feel-good swoop!
Action step! Check out Crafting Kind Kids' calendar of in-person and at-home family volunteer projects. Find a project that speaks to your kids or family's interests. Sign up, show up and give back together whether that's every month or during breaks from school!
Make 'volunteering' a family resolution this year
Maybe it's part of a new year's resolution to give back, or a response to a family or community need, whenever you start volunteering is always the best time to start volunteering! No different than committing to exercise, reading more books or eating your greens, volunteering is something that requires a little bit of planning and a whole lot of love!
No matter how often your family is able to volunteer, know that your time and energy is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to any nonprofit and to the community at large. By lending yours and your kids skills and passion, you serve as an incredible resource to the community. You have the power to make a positive impact and become a family of amazing changemakers.
Get involved in family volunteering today ♥ tucsonfamilyvolunteers.org