Finding the right family volunteer activities can be challenging. You may feel uncertain about what is expected and question whether your children can participate. It is important that your children feel comfortable where you volunteer, get inspired by the work you do, and enjoy themselves. Without these three components, our children won’t reap all the amazing benefits of volunteering.

When searching for the appropriate activity, consider the following priorities:

Project Focus 

Is there a particular cause your family is passionate about, such as feeding the unhoused, helping animals, or visiting the elderly? What interests, skills, and talents do your family members have? Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors? Do you want to work directly with people? The options are endless, so it is important to narrow down your choices.

Organization’s Mission

Do your research before you sign up with a specific organization. Find out about the group’s history, goals and mission, leaders, and funding. Check its website, search online for press coverage, and visit sites like www.charitywatch.org and www.charitynavigator.org. If possible, ask a current or past volunteer about the pros and cons of the organization. Getting a referral from someone you know is the best option, especially because your children will be participating.

Location

Next, you will want to make sure you search for projects that are close to home so you do not have to drag your kids far to volunteer. Check your local paper, call charitable organizations, or search online for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Cost

Although rare, check to see if there are any fees to volunteer. You may also want to consider any other costs involved like travel, equipment such as certain clothing required, or requested products or monetary donations.

Time commitment

Decide how much time you have to volunteer. Start slowly and gradually increase your involvement. You may choose to volunteer with different organizations each time to expose your children to a variety of experiences.

Age ranges

Before committing to a project, check for any age requirements. It may take some hunting around, but you should be able to find age-appropriate options. Even babies can take part in nursing home visits, charity walks, and beach clean ups.

Activity expectations

Before you show up, find out exactly what you will be doing. Will there be heavy lifting involved? Will the project be a boring and repetitive task that will make your kids annoyed? Make sure the activity is something that your kids will actually enjoy before you invest your time.

Safety

No matter what, safety needs to come first when children are involved. You may want to avoid going to activities in neighborhoods that make you uncomfortable. Your kids may be scared to talk to strangers, so consider starting with familiar people and places. As they get older, you can start to venture out and expose them to more mature situations.

Fun factor

Choose projects that involve your children in a fun way, but also teach and inspire them. Avoid topics and activities that are too serious and sad for young children. Be sure to ask your kids afterward what they thought about the experience, and if they would be willing to do it again. 

For a list of SWFL non-profit organizations go to the list here

Sandi Schwartz is a mother of two and an award-winning author, and freelance journalist.

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