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Encouraging Community Service
A Lesson in Perspective and Personal Discovery
By Laura Paul
Mitten's parents supported him in his desire to volunteer in the Dominican Republic and help the homeless population. They have also helped him become aware of what a lifelong commitment to working with underserved populations could entail. "They have been encouraging but have been real with me," Mitten says.
Tricia Bock of Nashville, Ind., an administrative assistant with the American Cancer Society South Central Area Service Center in Bloomington, Ind., has three children: Jeremy, 8, Terry, 17, and Dustin, 19. They all volunteer when they can.
"I think it gives them a better understanding of what the American Cancer Society actually does," Bock says. "They have come in the office a couple times and helped with bulk mailings and also help during relay season. The Relay for Life is a huge thing – it's the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, and during that season, we may be doing whatever they need us to do at Relay. Even the smallest one may be scooping sand into bags for luminaries, and while he is putting them around the track, he stopped a couple times and said, 'Hey, that's my Grandma's bag. Hey, that's for my Grandpa.' It gives them a personal perspective on why we are doing what we are doing. My mother passed away from it when she was 49, and my dad is a survivor, so for the older one, it gives them an idea that we are making a difference."
Bock recommends that beginning volunteers find something that interests them. For instance, if your preteen loves animals, you might encourage her to volunteer for the Humane Society.
"I think the other thing, as far as volunteering, is make it something that is enjoyable to them and something where they can see they are making a difference," she says. "They are not just stuffing envelopes; they are helping people."
