the volunteer family: FAQs

A: Many volunteering projects are related to the puzzling question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” To adapt this adage to volunteering, “Which came first, the volunteer or the successful project?” Organizations cannot run (or continue to run) successful volunteer projects without committed and willing volunteers. Yet it can also be difficult to keep volunteers without projects! How does it ever get started? When people are flexible, creative, open-minded, and willing to help! If an organization does not have any existing volunteer openings, suggesting ways that your family can help a non-profit organization or community program may begin new volunteer opportunities.

Talk to friends who also are interested in family volunteering and share information with them. When you do find organizations that are supportive of families, support them and invite friends to help so that organizations will be able to continue their family-friendly volunteer programs!

The more flexible you are in terms of the types of projects you are interested in, the more available volunteer opportunities you will be able to find. Visit this link to find an organization in your area or this link for a list of ideas families can do from their own homes and neighborhoods. Some volunteers have been interested in going into communities further away from their own as it allows them to meet new people and have new mind-broadening experiences. For the very adventurous, perhaps a volunteer vacation may be a better match. Other families volunteer on-line through different organizations that need “Virtual” assistance – don’t be fooled by the name as this help is invaluable!

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Q: Why do many volunteer opportunities require a C.O.R.I check?

A: The C.O.R.I. background check is a standard procedure for non-profit and human service agencies to ensure the safety of volunteers, staff, and the people being served. It is required when people will be volunteering directly with other people.

Q: What is a C.O.R.I.?

A: A C.O.R.I. is a Criminal Offender Record Information (criminal background) check.

Q: What if we have searched and searched and all the organizations say that our children are too young to volunteer?

A: Don’t be discouraged, there are many ways that your family can help.

While there are huge benefits to volunteering with organizations and communities outside of your normal social circle, family volunteering does not need to be a formal arrangement with an organization putting together a special event. Service can occur quite naturally as friends, neighbors and families recognize needs in their community and give of their time in order to serve others.

Talk to people who you already know to determine who has needs and ways you might be able to help. Perhaps you have friends or family who work with a low-income family. Your family could arrange to play together with their children or surprise them with a nice party. Maybe a neighbor broke their hip or someone from your house of worship passed away recently. You could arrange to bring in meals to people in such situations, when cooking for one’s self is difficult. Are you friends with anyone who has a hard time raking their leaves or shoveling snow? There are numerous needs we will see when we will look for ways to help others.

Many of our Ideas are ones that you can use whether volunteering with an organization or informally in the community.

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HOMELESSNESS and HUNGER

Q: Why are there age restrictions that do not allow my children to serve food in a homeless shelter?

A: For a number of reasons, the majority of homeless shelters ask that volunteers who serve food be a specific minimum age and maturity. (This varies by shelter but often high school age youth are the youngest who can help and other places require volunteers to be at least 18.)

Some homeless shelters are “wet” shelters that serve all people – including those who may have consumed alcohol or other substances. The environment may not be safe and comfortable for younger children. Other shelters are often concerned about issues of privacy – for example, family shelters may have children living there who child volunteers would know from school. Some shelters do not allow any volunteers on-site in order to preserve the privacy and anonymity of the guests they serve.

Q: Even though my kids are young, we would really like to help. What can we do?

A: There are plenty of ways children can make a difference. Certain agencies have educational outreach programs especially for children. For example, in Massachusetts, the Friends of Boston Homeless has a Challenging Minds Challenging Homelessness program specifically targeted towards children. This program explains how children can make a difference through raising awareness and collecting and donating goods. Other places have projects where kids can pack and/or deliver food to families in need. Education projects are always important as well, by learning and talking about important issues surrounding homelessness and hunger and sharing the information with friends and neighbors.
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ELDERLY

Q: How can I get involved with helping the elderly?

A: First think about who you know. Often there are people who we already know who could use an extra hand or a little support. Many people already know elderly relatives, neighbors, or members of their congregation, synagogue or other organization. Or you can also help elderly in your community who may not have family members or enough support. You can search our list of on-line opportunities here to find an organization!

Q: In what settings could our family help the elderly?

A: Families could get to know a larger group of adults or establish a relationship with only one older adult. Families could visit with a group of adults in nursing homes – most are thrilled to have families come and visit their residents! Other community organizations specifically provide support for elderly adults in particular who do not have living family (or family nearby) and live independently in their own home in the community. (In Massachusetts, each town has a Council on Aging who can be contacted to find out about other opportunities – such as going shopping, being a friendly visitor, delivering meals, or helping seniors in other ways.)

Q: Great! I’m excited to volunteer with the elderly! What will it take for me to get started?

A: For ongoing volunteer opportunities there is usually an application process, complete with an interview, CORI background check, and training and tour of the organization. Some organizations may require a TB (tuberculosis) test as well. You may contact the volunteer coordinator or activities director of a local nursing home, senior center or council on aging for more information and the specific details, as it varies from one location to the next.

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CHILDREN

Q: Why is it that most of the volunteer opportunities do not allow me to volunteer directly with children?

A: Sometimes volunteers may find that organizations have fairly strict rules in terms of who can volunteer directly with children. Most opportunities require volunteers to undergo an application and interview process, a C.O.R.I. background check, a specific training, and make an on-going commitment to volunteer (often every week for a year). Often the children being served have very real needs and fragile and/or complicated life situations. They need volunteers who have received training, can provide structure and consistency, and are sensitive to their unique situations. Many children become very attached to friendly volunteers and have a hard time if they only see them one or two times. They need volunteers who can be mentors and friends and who are able to invest the time and effort necessary in order to have a meaningful, supportive, longer-term relationship. Families and individuals should evaluate if they are willing to invest the time in order to have these meaningful experiences.

Q: My family would like to adopt and/or become a foster family. How do we get started?

A: In Massachusetts, there are multiple organizations that work with families who are interested in adopting and becoming foster families. Visit this link for information about adoption services provided by The Home for Little Wanderers:
http://www.thehome.org/site/content/adoption/adoption.asp

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SICK/DISABLED

Q: What if my children just aren’t emotionally and socially ready to volunteer with people with developmental disabilities?

A: Many people are uncomfortable in new situations. Often it is important to step outside our comfort zone and have new experiences. At the same time it is important to help children not to feel uncomfortable around people who are different than they are. Teach your children to have love and respect for all people. Read books and discuss with your children about the importance of being friends. Lead by example in your kindness and the way you treat others, because your children learn a lot from your behavior. Perhaps for an introduction, your children could make cards or write letters for people who are sick or disabled and you could talk together as a family about how everyone is unique and special and needs love and support. They may be willing to deliver the card next time, and you can build from there! Perhaps some of these additional ideas – or some of your own - might be ways you could be involved.

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ANIMALS

Q: Why are there age restrictions and training requirements for volunteering directly with animals?

A: Whenever you are volunteering with your family, it is always important to ensure the safety of everyone involved. That includes you and your children as well as those you are volunteering to help. While all animal rescue organizations ensure that their animals pass stringent safety testing and are 100% family-friendly before being made available for adoption, the shelter environment is not a place for young children to volunteer. Due to state and federal guidelines, chartered and non-profit organizations must limit direct animal contact to persons 16 years of age and older. In some cases, volunteers who meet this age requirement must first participate in a brief training program to familiarize them with the needs of the animals. These programs can be a great way to learn more about the care and needs of animals and you participate in them together as a family with your older children.

Q: Why is it so difficult to find a volunteer opportunity I can do with my young children working directly with animals?

A: Actually, it is not! There are many safe ways that you can volunteer with your young children to help animals. However, there may be limitations to the types of things young children can do in working directly with animals. Please keep in mind that if the animal organization is hesitant to have your family work with a particular animal or directly in the shelter environment, this is only because of their concern for the safety of your family. They are most always willing to work with you to find an opportunity or a pet in need who will match the needs and ages of your entire family, even if this does take a little more time. And if you are willing to volunteer your time as a family to work indirectly to raise funds for animals in need, the possibilities are endless!!! Visit this list for more ideas!

Q: What kinds of activities CAN younger kids do to help animals?

A: There are many ways you can help! Some examples include putting your family on a weaning list with your local shelter to help birth and/or wean kittens from their mother, becoming a foster home for pre-adoption pets, or adopting a pet who needs a new forever home. Please keep in mind that if the animal organization is hesitant to place a particular animal with you, this is only because of their concern for the safety of your family. They are most always willing to work with you to find a pet in need who will match the needs and ages of your entire family even if this does take a little more time. And if you are willing to volunteer your time as a family to work indirectly to raise funds for animals in need, the possibilities are endless!!! Visit this list for more ideas!

Q: What do I need to know about volunteering with my family to help animals?

A: It is important to be flexible when looking for opportunities to volunteer to help animals with your family. You need to remember that the many animal organizations working to help animals in need are mostly made up of dedicated volunteers like you. Many of them have primary full-time jobs that “pay the bills” while they work equally as hard to help the animals in need in your community. They are always willing to have help from generous families such as yours. Any limitations to the tasks that young children can participate in are for the safety of the children and the animals only. And with a little flexibility, creative thinking, and use of volunteer tools such as this web site, you and your family will be well on your way to helping to save some of the many animals in need.

Q: But my child wants to walk a dog or pet a cat. What can we do?

A: The essence of volunteering is to give of your own time and abilities to help others in a way that benefits them. Animal organizations such as shelters and rescues have a much greater need of funds, resources, and supplies to help the animals in their care. While it can be enjoyable to pets and children to enjoy some play and pet time, federal and state guidelines as well as safety concerns prohibit this activity for children under the age of 16 in most cases. However, with a little explanation, your children are sure to understand the benefits of alternative and indirect volunteer activities. Visit this list for more ideas!

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INTERNATIONAL

Q: Why do so many of the opportunities to help internationally involve donating money?

A: There are many ways that families can help besides just giving money (see Idea list). But often in the case of emergency relief after a disaster, money is preferred to a donation of goods. Often the cost of shipping goods to far away lands exceeds the value of goods that are donated. Money can be easily transferred and used to purchase needed supplies abroad. Make sure that you donate your money to organizations who have strong programs and whose missions you support.

Q: Are there any tools that I can use to evaluate a non-profit or non-governmental organization that I’m interested in giving money to before I donate? How do you know if something is a good cause or not to support and if they use money well?

A: There are some worthwhile resources, including Guidestar which shows financial information on more than 620,000 American based non-profit organizations. In Massachusetts there is also the Catalogue of Philanthropy that highlights some specific non-profit organizations and promotes the good work that they have done.

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