Teens and volunteering

December 18, 11:21 AMDC Family ExaminerRisa Sanders

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Most 8th graders have a community service requirement for school, and many private schools have service requirements throughout . I've learned that most teenagers really enjoy these opportunities, and while they perhaps initially feel shy or reluctant, it only takes a smidge of creativity to find thoroughly enjoyable activities that the whole family might participate in. Also, your teen may discover this is a great way to get an inside peek at a few potential career opportunities and, this being the DC Metro area, it's never to early to network, network!.

Don't be intimidated. Not every opportunity is for everyone. It's OK if you don't like the idea of certain kinds of activities. Also, you don't have to make a huge commitment. Oftentimes, a couple of hours is all that's needed. Encourage your teen to think about what their passions are, and then look for an outlet that helps them use that in a positive way.

Here are some of my favorites, and some suggestions for finding what works for your family:

First, think about what activities your teenager enjoys, and then work together to find a "match" that suits his/her personality and interests. My son loves music and has a DJ business. He's volunteered countless times for various non-profits that needed help with setting up sound for lectures and music for fundraisers, social events, dances, family events, etc;

We love to cook. This year, for the 5th year in a row, we'll work with other volunteers to cook and serve breakfast at a local restaurant that opens it's doors to the homeless for a wonderful meal every XMAS. We enjoy being able to use the professional kitchen equipment, as well as the camaraderie of working with others and serving needy families in our community.  

My son's 7th grade science teacher assigned a requirement last year that the students participate in Earth Day in some way. Surfing the Web helped us discover the annual clean up day at the National Zoo, something I wouldn't have known about otherwise and, to be honest, wouldn't have attended. Wow, was I surprised. We had a ball climbing over the hills along Rock Creek Park, wearing our orange vests and stuffing countless bottles, plastic and trash into our giant bags made us feel useful and productive. The atmosphere was great and seeing our enormous mounds of trash piled high at the end of the day was rewarding. This was only one of nearly 100 Earth Day activities, but we selected it because we enjoy the zoo. So, what I'm saying is.....think about what your teen enjoys and you'll find an outlet that capitalizes on that.

Since he was 10, my son has worked on political campaigns. We've done everything together from waving signs, making calls, handing out sample ballots, you name it. It's been fantastic meeting other volunteers, and also talking with the energetic college staffers that come to the DC area from everywhere in order to work on campaigns.

Here are some community resources to help get you started:

• Check your school's website or Blackboard.com site, often under the Guidance Dept. or Civics class portion of the site
• contact your child's previous elementary school- they usually need volunteers for field day, fun fairs, habitat gardens, tutoring programs; etc; and your teen will already feel comfortable there
• Volunteer Fairfax is a huge site which helps "match' volunteers' interests with needs in the area.
• Your pet's animal hospital or the local animal shelter
• Non-profits in your area- this can be anything from performing arts groups that need help with scenery and costume help, to community centers that use volunteers as guides, runners at events, docents, set-up help, etc; Locally, check out the website for the McLean Community Center for volunteer opportunities
• Neighbors International- often looking for students to help pack care packages for the military and other activities throughout the year.
• Assisted living and nursing home facilities- contact the Activities Director if your son/daughter might like to provide entertainment, play cards/scrabble, arts and crafts, etc;
• Local shelters that may need help sorting donations, preparing and delivering food, playing chess/checkers with the children, tutoring, etc; Reston Interfaith and Project Share are two of many in our area that use volunteers.
• Ask the Youth Director of your church or synagogue. They often have a list of events or need teens to watch younger kids during services or to help sort donations.
• Political campaigns- need an endless supply of volunteers for everything from phone calls to mailings and database help.

The bottom line is that there are huge needs and there is something for everyone. Think about your talents and skills and you will find an opportunity to use them. Your teen (and you) may be amazed at how much fun you have!