One part of my life is volunteerism.
When my children were young I was active in our parent participation preschool, in the community school and on a committee concerned with children's rights. Currently I am an advocate for the end of physical punishment of children as well as sitting on the strata council for my condo. I am also going to be helping at a political fundraiser.
When you have young children it's important for you to let them know when you are going to a meeting, where you are going and why. Kids are more likely to volunteer when they see their parents getting involved because they do their best learning by watching their parents.
My involvement in their schools started with preschool. This gave them the message that this wasn't just a place to send them but a place that mattered to the whole family. It was part of their community.
Children who feel connected to their community are going to be better citizens. They will have a sense of ownership of their streets and parks and know that they don't just belong in their home but in their neighbourhood.
One way to connect kids to the community is to encourage them to volunteer.
According to Statistics Canada, 47 per cent of Canadians 15 and older did volunteer work in 2010.
Younger Canadians, those aged 15 to 24, are more likely to volunteer. That is, however, because often volunteerism is mandatory for high school graduation.
There are very good reasons for us to encourage our kids to volunteer besides that of a school requirement. When they help others, they develop a sense of accomplishment, they learn new and different skills, and they get to know a variety of adults of various ages.
The first step is to let our children see our volunteer efforts. Volunteerism ranges from a simple act of kindness toward a neighbour, to becoming politically active in the community. It doesn't matter how you choose to volunteer. You may have a neighbour who is elderly so you help her with grocery shopping by taking her along when you shop. And you involve your young child by asking him to help by carrying one item. Now he feels connected to her, accountable for the care of the can of soup he's carrying and aware of his role as a helper. That's simple but profound.
There are many ways we can encourage our kids to volunteer.
Depending on your activities you might bring your child along with you to help at the local food bank. As she gets older she can volunteer on her own as well as with you.
Animal shelters often welcome children to hold and cuddle animals or take them for walks.
Residents in senior centres enjoy visits from children. The kids get to hear stories of the past from the elderly residents. They may also play games such as checkers or get involved in art projects. This is particularly appealing for kids who have no grandparents or none nearby.
Older kids can help neighbours with snow removal, lawn mowing or weeding the garden. Seniors appreciate this help but so would your neighbour with a toddler and a newborn in the house.
When my children were very young (and they are only 14 months apart), a neighbour child used to come over after school and play with the kids while I organized dinner. It was fabulous.
Groups of kids can come together to organize a clean-up day in the park.
Once you open up your mind to possibilities and take a look around your area you will see places that could use the help of your child so that both will benefit.
Volunteerism need not be only a requirement for school but also a part of life, a way to become connected and a way to learn about the community.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
