The Many Benefits of Volunteering
Summer is just around the corner and that means student-aged kids in the house will be getting ready for some time off from school. Since summer jobs for young people seem to be getting more and more scarce, another idea might be to introduce them to the idea of volunteering. Although volunteer jobs usually don’t pay, there are other important benefits including:
- • Networking opportunities
- • Résumé-building experience
- • Potential scholarship prospects
- • Non-profit “perks”
- • Increased self-esteem
- • Sense of responsibility and community spirit
And, as a Bronco member, you know that our philosophy of “people helping people” extends beyond the walls of our offices. Volunteerism is a great way for all of us to come together to help each other out in these challenging financial times. Plus, it can provide exercise and great fun.
Finding volunteer opportunities for young people may be a bit more difficult as there are certain restrictions and guidelines for minors. But there are opportunities out there for kids as young as five, with little to no special skills required. If your kids have energy, enthusiasm and time, those are often the skills that are needed most.
Some ideas for places to look for volunteer opportunities locally include libraries, schools, animal shelters, veterinary offices, nursing homes, retirement communities, summer camps and hospitals, to name a few. Many churches, non-profits and scouting organizations also get involved with volunteer projects.
If you can’t find suitable opportunities with other organizations, you may want to consider creating your own opportunities associated with your child’s school or church. Here are just a few ideas:
- • Organize a drive to solicit school supplies by setting up a booth in front of a retail store that sells such items. Check with the school to see what kind of supplies they need and ask shoppers to donate to the cause.
- • Put together a canned food drive and have your kids go door-to-door collecting donations.
- • Sponsor a “yard sale” where people can donate items that can be sold. Establish a drop-off site and put your kids in charge of sorting items and pricing them.
- • Create a “green” day where your kids volunteer to pick up trash around the school or church property. There are no limits to the opportunities that exist. If you can’t find an organization that needs assistance, have your kids come up with some creative ways they can help on their own.
For example, if there are elderly people in your neighborhood who may need some help, your kids could volunteer to cut their grass, rake leaves or do other odd jobs. If there are families in your area with young children and your kids are old enough to babysit, that could be a great service, too. The American Red Cross even offers babysitter training courses to help your kids be prepared for the responsibility.
For teens who have access to transportation, additional opportunities exist outside your community. Meals On Wheels is always looking for qualified people who can deliver food.
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is a great way for your teens to help the community and learn some valuable skills in the process.
Going a step further, there are programs all over the world that need volunteers. These opportunities are a great way for your teens to meet new people, learn about new cultures and possibly establish new international friendships that can last a lifetime. Education is not limited to the classroom. By helping your kids find ways to volunteer, you’re not only helping them learn valuable lessons about giving, you’re also opening their eyes to new possibilities.
Here are a few websites to get you started:
- • www.idealist.org
- • http://servenet.org
- • www.volunteermatch.org
- • www.compassionatekids.com
- • www.habitat.org/gv/ (Global Village Program)
- • www.habitat.org
- • www.mowaa.org (Meals On Wheels)
- • www.humanesociety.org
- • www.volunteerkids.gov (USA Freedom Corps)
- • www.dosomething.org
- • www.barronprize.org
