Making Volunteer Time Meaningful

Once you find a project you’re interested in and you get started, what happens next? Besides completing the project, you can take some easy steps to cultivate other benefits of family volunteering.

• Although you are spending the day working on a project, it is just as important to use this day as a way to get to know each other in new ways. While you are working, talk about why you are doing what you are doing. Talk about other experiences you have had as you work.
• Sometimes you learn new things (and have a lot of fun) when you switch your everyday roles while you serve. If parents are used to being “in charge,” give responsibility for coordinating what your family does to a child or teenager. See what happens!
• Get to know the people you’re serving—first, learn their names, what interests them, and some of their history. Share your own experiences, too. You are likely to discover interests and experiences that you have in common. Invite them to participate in the service project if they are not already.
• Though it is important to stretch and try new things, it is just as critical to stay safe and not push too hard. Monitor everyone in the family and take breaks when needed. Be sure that all family members stay safe and are capable of taking on the assigned projects.
• The other families who are participating in your volunteer project probably share some of your family’s values and priorities. Get to know them as you work together.
• Check in with everyone in the family to make sure everyone is contributing meaningfully. Are they all finding ways they can participate fully? Or are some feeling that they are stuck with trivial tasks? In the case of the latter, think of creative ways they can participate more meaningfully. If necessary, talk to the event organizers to see if there are other more creative ways to accomplish the task or other projects that need to be done that would better suit your family member.

• Depending on the project, interject some playfulness into it. Sing or hum. Play a short game of chase if kids start to lose interest. Laugh. Enjoy being together.

Instead of thinking about family service as added work, and another item on your busy schedule, think about it as you would any other family activity. Spend time together, get to know each other better, and have fun!