FIND PROJECTS TO FIT YOUR PROGRAM...
Identify areas of interest — Talk about the kinds of issues you'd like to help and the kinds of activities you'd like to do. Are you most concerned about low-income people, senior citizens, refugees, or homeless? Or is your program family more passionate about caring for abandoned animals or caring for the environment?
Try something once — Decide together the kinds of things you'd like to try one time, and start with that. Be sure to choose projects that allow every member, regardless of age, to contribute in a meaningful way.
Involve children — Actively involve children in choosing and planning service projects. Pay attention to what interests them and what they seem most concerned about, as those are areas where they're likely to invest more energy. Give them responsibilities that match their abilities and interests.
Start close to home —Start looking for opportunities where you already have connections. SAC may find opportunities through the school, other programs, or local community and service organizations.
Ask others — If you know of other School Age programs, have friends, or family members who volunteer regularly, ask them if your program can join them sometime. Talk with other programs as to whether they'd like to do something together.
Adapted to program needs from MVParents.com
_____________________
COMING UP WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE IDEAS
Never underestimate the strength of the young ones. They are amazing.
1. Have the children brainstorm ideas.
2. Set ground rules:
•No idea is laughed at.
•No idea is stupid.
•No idea is ruled out until the end.
3. Then consider, "How can we really do this?" (Adapted from Tiffany Cooper)
___________________________
Menu for Community Service Category
This is Getting Started: Finding Projects to fit your Program
1. Community Service Project Ideas for all Ages!
2. Real After School Program Service Projects
3. Community Service Ideas for Middle and High School
4. You may also be interested in Random Act of Kindness Ideas!
_____________