5 Benefits of Volunteering as a Family

Family Volunteer Day, to be celebrated on November 23, 2024, is a time to come together and make a difference. It’s a chance for families to strengthen their bonds while making a positive impact on their communities. The world is facing many challenges, but there is an opportunity for all of us to step up and create change. Family Volunteer Day provides a unique opportunity to inspire hope and create lasting change.

Why volunteer as a family? Beyond the inherent rewards of getting involved in your community through volunteerism, doing this together as a family offers a wealth of benefits:

1. Family volunteering promotes shared values.

Volunteering is a powerful way to instill compassion and a sense of social responsibility in children. By actively participating in community service, families demonstrate their commitment to making the world a better place. These shared experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.

2. Family volunteering creates a foundation for a lifetime of volunteering and commitment to social change.

A recent study from FoundationSource found 58% of Gen Z volunteered their time in the past year. 70% of Gen Z said they aspire to be described as “changemakers.” Younger generations are passionate about being involved in their local communities, and the earlier their engagement begins, the better understanding they have of being a supporter and partner with nonprofits.

3. Family volunteering helps you spend quality time together while having fun.

In a fast-paced world, finding quality time for family can be difficult. Volunteering provides a shared experience that fosters communication and creates lasting memories. As adults look to find ways to spend time with kids disconnected from screens, volunteering is a great way to connect. Working together towards a common goal strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of shared accomplishment.

3. Family volunteering helps children develop empathy.

Volunteering exposes children to diverse perspectives and lived experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. It helps them connect with people from different backgrounds and appreciate the challenges faced by others. These interactions nurture compassion and broaden their worldview and decrease bias in the long term.

4. Family volunteering encourages lifelong learning.

Volunteering offers a unique learning experience outside of the traditional classroom setting. Children develop valuable skills, gain knowledge about social issues and discover their potential to make a difference. It instills a love of learning that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms.

5. Family volunteering helps everyone hone important skills.

From practical skills like gardening and painting to essential life skills like teamwork and problem-solving, volunteering provides opportunities for children and adults to learn and grow. It’s a chance for families to discover hidden talents and develop new skills together.

Family Volunteering: A Catalyst for Growth, Connection and Change

Volunteering as a family in 2024 offers a refreshing opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with each other and your community. We invite you to put down the devices and engage in meaningful real-world experiences that foster a sense of purpose and belonging.

Studies show that helping others reduces stress and boosts well-being for all ages, making family volunteering a valuable investment in your family’s mental and emotional health. It’s also a chance to connect with neighbors, strengthen community ties and contribute to a sense of shared responsibility.

By volunteering as a family, you can learn about global issues and actively participate in creating solutions, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empowering your children to become agents of change.

How will you celebrate Family Volunteer Day this November? Need some ideas? Check out our DIY volunteer projects and search the Points of Light Engage platform for in-person or virtual volunteer opportunities in your area. Happy volunteering!