“It takes a village to raise a child.” How often do we hear this and nod along, thinking about the loved ones who have supported us and whom we have supported in return?
At our core, humans are a communal species, and it takes a village to support all vulnerable groups — not just children.
Outside of our immediate family and social circles, volunteering is one of the best ways to strengthen our community and become a part of the village. It’s especially important to teach children the value of volunteerism from an early age. Volunteering with kids helps foster selflessness, empathy and compassion for people from all walks of life.
How does volunteering with kids expand their worldview?
Volunteering with individuals with mental illness can help us decrease the stigma associated with mental illness.
By spending time with and getting to know other children and adults who live with mental illness, children can grow up knowing that they are also part of our village and that they are not so different from us.
Why is it still hard to talk about mental illness?
In recent years, we have made huge strides in making it easier to talk about mental illness, but there’s still work to do.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. Yet there is an average delay of 11 years between the onset of symptoms and when a person receives treatment.
The stigma — or negative perceptions — of mental illness contributes greatly to people’s unwillingness to seek treatment and makes people afraid to talk about it. This creates a vicious circle in which nobody talks about mental illness, and people feel more shame about something they cannot control.
By encouraging children to volunteer with people who are seen as “different,” we can invest in building a more accepting society in which people can seek mental health treatment without shame and stigma.
Why is the holiday season a good time to volunteer?
There is no better time to volunteer and build community than the holiday season. Many people have time off from work or school during the holidays, which makes it easier to help those in need.
Throughout the year, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of life, and it can be hard to make time to volunteer.
What’s more, despite the cheer and joy that fill the air, the holidays can be a difficult time for those with mental illness. According to a NAMI survey, 64% of people living with mental illness reported that their conditions worsened around the holidays.
This is especially true for seniors who do not have family living nearby and who are at risk of social isolation.
How does volunteering help Collier County seniors?
Seniors who experience social isolation also experience higher rates of depression and are more likely to be hospitalized than those surrounded by a strong community.
At NAMI Collier, we see this every day through our Seniors Outreach Programming. We also see the positive impact that community-building volunteer events can have on these seniors.
They remind seniors that they are not alone and that they are part of a village that cares about them.
What does my family gain from volunteering?
Giving back to others can create meaningful experiences that are often more memorable than material gifts. Whether serving meals at a shelter, organizing a toy drive or spending time with older adults, acts of kindness can create lasting memories for everyone involved.
These moments can also bring families and friends closer together while building a shared sense of purpose, connection and happiness.
Volunteering is also good for your own mental health. Multiple studies show that people who volunteer regularly report lower rates of depression and anxiety, and higher life satisfaction. These benefits are more pronounced in long-term volunteers.
So, the holiday season is the time to get an early start on a new year’s resolution to volunteer more. It’s good for the community, and it’s good for the volunteers.
By being the village for someone else, you and your children are reminded that you, too, are part of the village and are deserving of love and support.
How can my family volunteer with NAMI Collier in Naples?
For many organizations, such as NAMI Collier, volunteers act as a critical human resource, allowing nonprofits to do more to pursue their mission and multiply their impact. Volunteers can provide perspective, expertise and enthusiasm that complement the work of paid staff.
If you’re interested in volunteering this holiday season, visit NAMICollier.org or call 239-260-7300.
For more ideas, see how to choose the best volunteer activities for your family and our list of 100 Southwest Florida nonprofits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is volunteering with kids important?
Teaching children the value of volunteerism from an early age helps foster selflessness, empathy and compassion. Volunteering with people who live with mental illness can also help decrease the stigma associated with mental illness, as children grow up knowing that people who live with mental illness are part of our village and not so different from us.
Why are the holidays hard for people with mental illness?
According to a NAMI survey, 64% of people living with mental illness reported that their conditions worsened around the holidays. This is especially true for seniors who do not have family living nearby and who are at risk of social isolation.
Is volunteering good for parents’ mental health, too?
Yes. Multiple studies show that people who volunteer regularly report lower rates of depression and anxiety, and higher life satisfaction. These benefits are more pronounced in long-term volunteers.
Beth Hatch, CEO of NAMI Collier County, is a passionate advocate for mental wellness and a parent of a special needs child.