Serving the community as a family

Posted: April 08, 2008

Are you looking to get involved in a fun-filled family experience? Consider donating your time and effort towards volunteering in your community.

Cleaning up the environment, helping at a local food bank, participating in a fundraiser, or helping in a children's program are all great examples of how families can work as volunteers in a group setting.

Not only does volunteering strengthen the community, but making it a family activity is an opportunity for parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles to come together to make a difference.

Family volunteering already exists in our community, but in a less formal and unstructured approach. Most community-based sports, education and specialized programs rely on the support of clients and family members for volunteer help. These volunteers are motivated by a sense of obligation to give back to something they or their family participate in and to build and maintain social connections.

An avid volunteer in the London community, Luci Circelli volunteers with her family for the Sports Celebrity Dinner that supports Thames Valley Children's Centre.

"I have always thought it important to do things as a family," she says. "Volunteering together was one more opportunity to stay connected with my children. Children learn by example and I hope they will continue to help out in their communities and make it a part of their family activities in the future."

There are many benefits to family volunteering. People who have trouble incorporating volunteering into their busy lives can get involved without sacrificing important family time. Volunteering together can be as valuable to your family as it is to those in need by helping to instill in children strong social values and promoting good citizenship.

Nonprofit organizations also benefit from family volunteering as their volunteer pools are increased not just by one volunteer but by a family of volunteers. Families bring a diversity of skills based on interest and age group. In addition, if one individual can't show up for a designated task, then another family member can take their place - a great way to share the work load and increase reliability.

This terrific activity allows families to bring strength in numbers to the non-profit sector and have a positive impact on the community. It helps organizations to be better equipped to meet the needs of their clients. It increases the commitment of volunteers, as families can combine volunteer work and family activities.

According to the 2004 Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, it is estimated that 12 million Canadians, or 45 per cent of the population aged 15 and older, volunteer in their community. Findings also show that many Canadians volunteer their time as part of a group - 25 per cent of volunteers as part of a group project with members of their immediate family and 43 per cent with friends, neighbours and other employees.

There are all kinds of volunteer opportunities available for families. Find something that fits your family lifestyle and get involved in the community together.

An article by Pillar Nonprofit Network, first published in The Londoner, April 2, 2008.