As 2020 comes to a close, we could all do with some joy in our lives! But we should also consider the rewards of spreading a little love too. So why not consider how your child can bring some socially-distanced cheer into someone’s life through community service this holiday season?
Not just a “box ticking” exercise. We all know that a well-rounded resume is important in the school application process down the line, but authentic service to others should be more than just ‘ticking the box’. Not only can community service be personally rewarding, but it can also be instrumental in shaping your child’s future self. By getting involved in simple, selfless acts of kindness, they may learn the important lesson of caring for someone other than themself, while also realizing what a big difference a little effort can make in someone’s life.
The pandemic has presented us with complications of all sorts of shapes and sizes, with access to community service included in the long list of obstacles. However, these unparalleled challenges do not mean your child can’t get involved. So how does your child ‘give back’ in times when social distancing is the fabric of our new landscape? Here, we uncover some creative ways to volunteer - virtually or hands-on - from the safety of your own home. There are opportunities for your family as a whole, for your child individually, or for your child and friends to apply their skills without risking exposure to themselves or others.
Before you get stuck in, a word of advice... To inspire a genuine connection and leave your child wanting to commit to community service on a more regular basis, it is important that they do not feel “forced” into an activity. To achieve this, make it a collaborative process that involves them at every stage. Also, be sure to focus on how the process can be fun and align with your child’s interests. Without this emotional attachment, the activity will be perceived as a “chore” and will not result in a positive outcome.
Socially distanced, but by no means isolated... To begin with, there are many national, regional, and local organizations looking for help in ways that children can get involved with from home. A project can be scaled up or down, depending on your child’s age. And it doesn’t need to be elaborate either. For example, your child can express their thanks to our troops overseas by sending them a letter or making them a bracelet. Alternatively, they can pen a heartfelt message of thanks to a front-line worker. Or why not become a penpal to an elderly person living in a senior living community?
And how about injecting some fun, creativity, and a sense of community into the process? To give you an idea of how two kids made a simple yet HUGE impact in their hometown of Bethel, CT, this spring, meet the Bethel Sharks - Skipper (Dad), Sharkira (Mom), and little Sea Sea! This impactful endeavor was the brainchild of two anonymous students who simply wanted to spread cheer at a time when local morale was low. At first, the sharks started ‘hanging out’ at random locations around town, sparking instant curiosity. Soon, there were ‘shark sightings’ galore, a Facebook group boasting thousands of members, and a barrage of news coverage. Spontaneous acts of kindness and joy followed wherever they popped up. Ultimately, locals were sad when they headed back out to ‘sea’. Learn more about how their simple acts led to greatness in this article from CT Magazine!
In this age of Tik Tok, Reels, and YouTube, is your child a talented videographer - making fun videos of themself, others, or their pets? Check out VolunteerMatch in Maryland, an organization that asks students to submit short videos demonstrating how to do a simple craft. The videos are then shared with caregivers so they can, in turn, work on these fun projects with their intellectually-disabled companions. Alternatively, your child can help create a video storytime library for vulnerable children. What child wouldn’t love diving into joyous projects like this?
We know we’ve just scratched the surface in the endless list of virtual community service opportunities out there. And by now, we’re sure you’ve realized how easy it is to get creative and make a difference in someone else’s life. If you would like to receive more information about how to find meaningful volunteer opportunities, click the link below and we’ll send a list of amazing opportunities right out to you!
IMPORTANT: Your child’s health and safety, and for those they are serving, are paramount. Be sure to review volunteer opportunities carefully so you know who your child will be working with online or by phone. Also, familiarize yourself with the volunteer position to be sure they are fulfilling an appropriate need that is not for profit.