“…one drop of water helps to swell the ocean; a spark of fire helps to give light to the world. None are too small, too feeble, too poor to be of service. Think of this and act.” ~Hannah More
I have always enjoyed volunteering, but once we had kids, it was a lot harder to make it happen. My boys are five and two and a half and until just recently, volunteering just didn’t work for my schedule. When we had just one babe, I worked full-time and didn’t want to spend any more time away from him than I had to. Then the second came along and I got to stay home, but he wouldn’t take a bottle!! So, I couldn’t really leave him. Anyone else been there?! I had to consistently remind myself that it was just a season and I would be able to get back on the volunteering wagon. That time is FINALLY here!
Now, not only do I get to volunteer more, my boys get to come along. Finnean, the five-year-old, is really at a great age to get involved. Even Hutchinson, the little one, gets excited to help out. Yes, it is a bit more work to take them along, but the outcome is totally worth it.
We spent Saturday volunteering at our church; the boys were excited about every new job they were given and loved talking with all the other volunteers. Finnean and I were on stair detail and we were able to chat as we were working. As we were finishing up he said, “Mom, I love helping at our church – it makes my heart happy.” He stopped me in my tracks. We were making memories and doing something outside of ourselves, all at the same time. He talked about it for the rest of the weekend and beamed at church Sunday morning when everyone talked about how clean the church was. He was a part of that. He did something to help others. Something I hope that he will do for the rest of his life.
HOW TO GET STARTED:
- Find something that you are interested in. Call that organization or check out their website. Most have a few annual events that need your help. Then do it again the next year. This gives you an opportunity to learn more about the process, and you can have a bigger responsibility the next year! Or maybe they need some office help? Or some graphic design work done? The possibilities (both big and small) are endless!
- Set a goal. How many hours do you want to volunteer each year? The average Iowan volunteers 34.2 hours per year (source: volunteeriowa.org). The Governor of Iowa has a challenge out to all Iowans to increase that average to 50 hours a year. The What’s Your 50 campaign is a great way to track how much you are volunteering each year. I was super intimidated by this number and thought it was totally impossible. Once I started tallying up my hours, I wasn’t too far off. Think about all the things you do each month that you do for free. Whipping up some bake sale items for a fundraiser, being a troop leader, cleaning up around your neighborhood. These aren’t day-long projects, but that is still time that someone doesn’t have to be paid to do it. Throw in some big chunks of volunteering and you are knocking on that 50-hours-a-year’s door.
- JUST DO IT! The hardest part is making the time. Schedule it in and get it done! This could be an organized event or picking up trash in your neighborhood while on a walk or helping out a neighbor. There are so many way to be helpful!
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER:
Make it a kid date! Sign up with your child(ren) and help out. Perfect way to get some one-on-one time!- Make it a girls day/night out! Grab your girlfriends and give back!
- Make it a date night! This is one of my faves. Get a sitter and get active! You get to be together while helping others. We try to do this a few times a year!
- Make it a MOM DATE! Go by yourself. Have fun, meet new people, and forget about your “real life” responsibilities for a little bit. You are being a great role model for your kiddos, so you can leave the mommy guilt at the volunteer check-in! BONUS!
- Make it a family date! Load everyone up and make some memories!
VOLUNTEER IDEAS:
- Your kids. What are they involved in and how do those organizations/groups need help?
- Your employer. Or maybe your partner’s or family member’s employer. What are they doing to give back to the community? Maybe they aren’t – suggest it and get it started!
- Your community. What events does your community put on each year? Do you have a local theater? Food pantry? Homeless shelter?
- Races. Is it me or is there a 5k, 10k, or some other race going on every weekend. THIS IS AWESOME! People raising money and getting active. These events need tons of volunteers. Check out one that interests you and help out.
- Church or similar organization. So many opportunities here.
- Be a mentor. Change a kid’s life with Mentor Iowa.
- Your hometown. A perfect time to walk down memory lane and help out your old community.
- Your state. Volunteer Iowa is a great resource for finding a way to get involved throughout this great state of Iowa!
You are amazing! I love your energetic and giving spirit that you are obviously passing along to your boys. I find that as my kids get older, there are more and more opportunities that arise to volunteer for their events that coincide with their interests too. It’s fun to just keep your eyes open for opportunities to give back. Love this! Thanks for sharing.