Community Service Activities – Getting Involved As a

With after school activities, sports, traveling teams, summer camps, friends, plus computer games, iPods and cell phones, our children are busier and more disconnected than ever.  As a parent, it seems we are always looking for ways to connect with our children, but also to make sure they spend some of their time on meaningful, productive activities.  To raise compassionate members of society, it’s important that we instill a sense of community, volunteerism and social consciousness in our children now.  There’s no better way to do this than by volunteering together as a family.

It is important to note, if you have a child in high school who will be filling out college applications in the near future, community service is a key component of being a well rounded student.  Colleges do not rely solely on good grades for admittance.  Admission boards want to see that a student has volunteered time to a worthy organization, are involved in extra-curricular activities, all the while maintaining a high G.P.A.  This is another great reason for a young adult to get involved in community service.

Before you commit time to an organization, it’s important for you to sit down with your child and talk about the issues that he or she is really passionate about.  If you find something that your child is truly interested in, he or she will be more excited to be a part of it and want to continue participating and volunteering in the future.

If your child loves animals, he or she may enjoy volunteering at the local animal shelter.  Shelters always need help walking dogs, petting cats, cleaning out cages, doing laundry, etc.  However, depending on the age of your child, many shelters have minimum age requirements (some may require a parent or guardian to accompany a child of a certain age).  If your child is too young to volunteer at the shelter, there are still ways to help shelter animals.  Shelters are always in need of food for the animals, kitty litter, clean bedding, toys for the animals, cleaning supplies and of course, cash donations.  Call the shelter to find out exactly what’s needed.  Then, you and your child can head a collection.  Make signs to post around your neighborhood as well as send out emails to family and friends with a list of items you’re collecting.  Then, make a big donation to the shelter.

Perhaps your family’s passion is feeding the hungry.  There are many food banks all across the country.  Some are run by the government, while others are run by churches and different organizations.  Food banks always need volunteers to help out stacking items on shelves, packing bags and unloading trucks.   Again, if your child is too young to volunteer at the food bank directly, he or she can start a food drive.  You and your child can collect canned goods and non-perishable food items from neighbors, family and friends and then donate them to the food bank.

Whatever activity you decide on, be sure to stress to your child that no matter how small or young, he or she can make a big difference in the world.  Setting a good example by volunteering as a family will help you raise a caring, compassionate, socially conscious member of society.

Yvone Kon is a freelance writer, blogger and mom.  She frequently writes about many different topics including weddings, fashion, childbirth, recycling, volunteering, animal advocacy and social service software.  She is the author of the blog EventSpiration, providing inspiration and ideas for weddings, parties and holidays.