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It's easy to feel disconnected, as many parents juggle work, school, children, and other activities. But there are some simple things that can bring everyone closer... One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is through volunteering. Volunteering also sets a good example for children while helping the community.
Reasons to Get Involved
Neighbors Helping Neighbors...
- Satisfaction - that comes from genuinely helping our neighbors and others... When you commit your time and effort to an organization, church, project, or purpose that you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfillment can be endless. Some have described it as putting true "purpose" and meaning in their lives... But, remember, volunteering is not about you. It's about sacrifice - that may result in a feel-good moment or two. And, self-satisfaction or benefit should never be your main objective when deciding to volunteer or not.
- It Strengthens Your Community - When a community is cohesive, its residents are at the heart of it - At the core of all communities are the good people. That is what community is really all about... People helping people, or plainly speaking "service to others". When the service-to-others is thriving, it shows... Ever visit someone in a town where community involvement is lacking? Some of the common characteristics are a lack of attendance at church (half full), a lack of community activities, little to no involvement from the community in the town's affairs (but many curbside complaints), and except perhaps for sports, everyone is running around doing their own thing - in their own world.
- It Strengthens Your Family - Volunteering is a great way for families to have fun and become even closer. But many people say they don't have the time to volunteer after fulfilling work, school, and other family commitments. If that's the case, try re-thinking some of your free time together as a family and eliminate some of the "time wasters". I bet that you could easier find 30-60 minutes a week. Or, you could select just one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition (for example, making and donating gift bags to our Rutherford Food Pantry or the Kip Senior Center during the holidays).
What Children Can Learn From Volunteering...
If volunteering begins at an early age, it can become part of their fabric and character and something they will just expect and want to do. Importantly, it puts them in "communion" with their community.
And, it will teach them...
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A sense of responsibility - By volunteering, children - especially 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 take pride in a job well done. But,they also learn that - ultimately - we're all responsible for the well-being of our communities.
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The benefit of sacrifice - By giving up a toy to a less fortunate child, a child learns the Good that comes from sacrifice. Cutting back on recreation time to help clean up a park for example helps teens to appreciate that there are important things besides themselves and their immediate needs and wants.
- Tolerance - Working in their community can bring children in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, ages, and education and income levels. They'll learn that even the most diverse individuals can be united by "common values".
- Job skills - Community service can help assist young people to decide their future careers... Are they interested in the medical field? Well, hospitals and clinics often have teenage volunteer programs. Do they love politics? Kids can work on real campaigns of local political candidates. Learning to work as a teammember, taking on leadership roles, setting project goals. These are all skills that can be gained by volunteering and will serve teens well in any future career.
- How to fill idle time wisely - If kids aren't involved in traditional after-school activities, community service is a wonderful alternative.
Volunteering on Your Own...
If you've never been involved in community service before, volunteering by yourself may be a good place to start. Want to improve your computer knowledge? Well, you could get "free" on-the-job training by volunteering at a local church office or animal shelter. 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, volunteering 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 also help you. And, it's a great way to keep moving.
When Thinking About Volunteering, Ask Yourself the Following Questions...
- What are my interests?
- What are my skills?
- Do I have any special needs?
- Do I have a method of transportation?
- How many hours a week can I commit to volunteer?
- And, importantly, why do I want to volunteer?
Once you do become involved, be responsible to those who depend on you. Be on time, and do let someone know if you can't make it.
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 or playground. You don't even have to be part of a big effort to do this. Get your family together, take some garbage bags, and head out. Or, become involved in repair and renovation efforts for low-income residents. Younger kids might not be able to do the big jobs, but helping out by fetching a paintbrush or holding utensils involves them just the same. Work at a community food bank or soup kitchen as a family. Find a church or organization that serves the elderly like the Kip Center. Take food to people who are homebound and visit with them. Your children can brighten a lonely senior's day instantly. Offer your family's help at the local animal shelter. Help plant flowers or trees. The possibilities are endless. Or, as mentioned before, you could select just one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition (for example, making and donating gift bags to our Rutherford Food Pantry or the Kip Senior Center during the holidays).
Whatever you choose to do, volunteering by helping others can benefit both the community and your family. So, why not get involved today!
Volunteer to Help Job Seekers...
JobAngels is a grass-roots network that asks you to simply help one person to find gainful employment.
At JobAngels, their ambition is to help bring people together in an online community where each person (a/k/a an Angel) commits to a single goal to help just one person find gainful employment. All it takes is one person helping another to find a job. JobAngels is innovative and impassioned to develop a fully operational, non-profit network of people and resources that is both resourceful and useful to job seekers.
www.JobAngels.org
How Can You Help?
If you are interested in helping a job seeker find gainful employment, you can help in many ways including spreading word among your network of friends and associates regarding the job seeker's career interests; offering real-world advice (especially, if you have some kind of expertise in recruiting or a similar service); resume writing; and much more. You are the crucial ingredient in making JobAngels a success for job seekers!
Please Volunteer to Join JobAngels on...
Twitter - Follow @jobangels
and search the #jobangels for work opportunities or people in need of their own JobAngel
Facebook - JobAngels on Facebook
LinkedIn - JobAngels Group
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