We believe that it is highly important to instill a sense of community with our kids and to encourage giving back. Service to others and special causes can encourage empathy and perspective taking, which is a very important skill/character to develop. Building empathy is like building a muscle - the more you do the exercise, the bigger the muscle gets. The same holds true for building empathy - the more you put yourself in another's shoes (perspective taking), the more you can relate to others and empathize. Children can also learn to recognize their own good fortune and feel gratitude for what they have. Giving back helps kids learn that they can make a positive difference in the lives of others - and that can feel powerful and inspiring! Volunteering as a family can also foster communication and can strengthen family bonds. There are so many reasons to volunteer with your child. We are committed to making it easier for busy families to give back to our community. During the scheduled Douglas evening events (i.e. Arts night, Science night, etc.), there will be a community service project that you and your children can do together. It will be something different each time.
Here are some resources to get you started: www.activategood.org (local non-profit dedicated to finding volunteers for various organizations and charitable causes) www.generationon.org (website for kids on how they can help make a difference) www.kidworldcitizen.org (website for kids on how they can help make a difference) www.startasnowball.com (website dedicated to helping kids start their own service projects)
10 Simple service activities for kids of all ages:
Younger Kids
Decorate reusable grocery bags and fill them with their favorite non-perishable food items. Feeding America offers a Food Bank locator, searchable by zip code.
Stuff new, warm socks with water bottles and granola bars to give to homeless men and women you pass on street corners.
Decorate holiday cards for soldiers overseas.
Box up their gently used clothing to donate to your local family shelter, refugee center or charity thrift store.
Older Kids
Donate their gently used books and DVDs to a local children’s hospital.
Make holiday decorations and cards and then sing carols for nursing home residents. Call ahead to schedule a visit.
Engage a team of secret friends to rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor for a whole month.
Collect used towels and pet toys for the local animal shelter.
Host a hot chocolate or cider stand and donate the proceeds to a charity of their choosing.
Adopt a family for the Holidays through a local business or faith group, and have your kids help shop for that family.
- See more at: http://www.pointsoflight.org/blog/2013/03/26/10-kid-friendly-volunteer-service-projects#sthash.U5ro1wzu.dpuf