A Guide For Volunteering

We have all been there before, running our child from activity to activity.  This seems just natural to do unless we are asked to help.  What do we do then?  Many people just don’t have the time to devote to organizations but who really does?  We all have busy lives and running around after work.  Stepping up and taking lead will truly show your child you care about the activities he or she is in.  You will also feel a sense of pride in yourself for helping make a difference in the lives of children.

I know first hand because I’m one of the volunteer’s that makes a difference in a child’s life.  I’m a lunch mom, soccer mom, den leader, and baseball helper.  I was one that often wondered how I would make time for volunteering along with the other demands in my life, but my children are some of the biggest demands in my life and I wanted to be there for them.  Some things to consider when deciding to volunteer are as follows:

• Be prepared.  Do not wait until the night of the game or meeting to organize your stuff.  It doesn’t take long to get organized the night before but will seem like an eternity if you wait until the night of the meeting or game.  Kids get restless and will need to get started right away.
  
  
• Make the meetings or practices fun and down to children’s level.  Don’t talk over children’s head or you will lose their attention.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to act a little silly these are just children, they will not judge you.
  
  
• Have other parents help you.  With the help of others things will go much smoother and you’ll get the most out of your meetings.
  
  
• If your helping out in a certain sport than try to get to know the sport if you already don’t.
  
  
• Fundraisers are an organizational must these days.  Before you were able to collect a few dollars for dues and that took you a long way, not now, many items and outdoor functions are costly and the only way to achieve an affordable budget is to hold fundraisers, many people are very generous when it comes to scouts and team sports.
  
  
• Keep in mind; many people are willing to come to your meetings to talk to your group for free.  Call a news station, many times a weatherman will travel and talk to your group for nothing. Professional storytellers, police officers, firemen and other types of professionals usually are welling to help out.
  
  
• Be sure to send thank-you notes to any helpers you may get.