Volunteering Brings Families Together

Whether your kids are interested in animals, the environment, the arts or social issues, there is a way for them to get involved and include the whole family. Family volunteering offers lots of opportunities for families to explore their common interests, spend time together, and benefit the community at the same time.

Volunteering as a way of life is an attitude that is developed early. According to a Gallup Survey, adults who volunteered in their youth were twice as likely to volunteer as adults who did not participate in any volunteer activities as children. More than six out of ten adult volunteers started volunteering by the age of 14.

So how does a family get connected with a volunteer activity that’s right for them? A valuable resource is VolunteerMatch, a nonprofit Web site that creates a comprehensive network for organizations needing volunteers, and volunteers looking for a place to use their skills.

The site has information on thousands of nonprofit and tax-exempt agencies looking for volunteers anywhere nationwide. You can search according to interest, how much time you have to spend, the type of cause you want to support, and the hours that fit your family’s schedule. Just enter your ZIP code for an up-to-date listing of local volunteer opportunities. When you find the organization you are interested in, just click the link to contact them.

Nearly 25,000 community service organizations -- including soup kitchens, schools, homeless shelters, government offices, etc. -- supplement their volunteer recruitment efforts by collectively posting more than 30,000 opportunities. VolunteerMatch is made possible in part by generous contributions from national nonprofits, foundations and more than 20 corporate partners including AT&T Wireless, Dell, Microsoft and Nike.

"Thanks to VolunteerMatch, thousands of animal welfare organizations nationwide have the potential to reach-and recruit-more volunteers than ever before. The result? Animals-in-need will find new homes. Two paws up, VolunteerMatch!," says Jack Sparks, Jr., spokesperson for The American Humane Association.

This spring offers several great opportunities to get involved. National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, is a national recognition and celebration of volunteers at the local, state and national levels. Volunteer organizations all over the country will have special activities and events to commemorate the week.

Also in April is Earth Day (April 22), a great time for those interested in environmental issues to get connected with community organizations that could use their help. Since 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and our responsibility toward it. Festivals and events will be taking place all over the world.

Volunteering as a family has numerous benefits. It is a way for family members to enrich relationships, develop communication, and to teach children the values of service and community involvement. It also is a way to meet new people, learn new skills and meet real community needs.

Jason Willett of VolunteerMatch offers the following guidance for families who are considering volunteering together:

* Start slowly. Consider one-time or short-term activities before making a long-term commitment.

* Involve all family members in the planning process.

* Consider doing your family volunteer activity with other families in your school, neighborhood, workplace or faith community.

* Research your selected volunteer opportunity. VolunteerMatch offers information about the time, place and skill requirements.

Make the connection that will help your family experience the personal reward and fulfillment that comes with volunteering at www.VolunteerMatch.org.