What should parents look for in an organization for which their children might volunteer?
"Don't always assume the nonprofit around the corner from your house is ready and able to engage your children in a safe, fun, and meaningful experience," says Rosenthal. "The reality is that not every organization can; it is a specialty."
Rosenthal says that parents should ask the following questions:
• What kind of experience does the organization have working with small children? "Sometimes programs don't have a track record for working with children and just sort of leave it up to chance. They just say, 'Bring your kids out, and we'll find a way to get them involved.' That's usually a recipe for disaster."
• Do the volunteer coordinators have any specific credentials, like a health and safety background? "A lot of [the quality of]your family's experience really has to do with the experience level of the volunteer coordinator. It's very important to have a discussion with the person who is going to be managing your family and children."
• What exactly will your child be doing? "You know your children and what their strengths and interests are. There is a lot of opportunity to find something that very closely aligns with what your kids might be interested in."
• Is it possible to speak with parents of young children who have already worked with the nonprofit? "All of these questions are ones that a good nonprofit should be upfront and honest about. If they have a fun, good, reputable program, they should be happy to give you resources like this."
What are the benefits of children volunteering at a young age?
"I think volunteering helps children feel valued, and most important, I think it helps them develop their sense of compassion and understanding toward others," says Heather Jack, founder of The Volunteer Family and mother of two.
It might also instill a lifelong commitment to giving. According to a 2001 study by Independent Sector, a coalition of nearly 600 charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, 49 percent of individuals who watched their parents volunteering or volunteered as a child themselves were active in philanthropic activities as adults. Only 29 percent of individuals who were not involved in community service activities as children were active volunteers as adults.
How can you explain the concept of volunteering to young children?
Getting your children to understand the importance of giving and helping others is something that can happen outside of the formal volunteer setting, adds Jack. "Even before they volunteer, clear out old clothes and toys to give to charity as a chance to say, 'This is who we are giving our clothes and toys to, and here's why.' Taking daily small steps like that can really help kids understand the concept of charity and giving.
