Surviving Middle School
A blog for middle school students, parents, teachers, coaches,
counselors, staff, administrators, and anyone else interested in coping with life’s challenges
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Giving Back by Volunteering
As I write this post, I keep getting notifications of yet more violence throughout the world. Most conversations inevitably drift toward the daily tragedies that are affecting the United States and other countries. It's very easy to ride the emotional rollercoaster from disbelief to anger to fear to sadness to depression, often ending in feelings of hopelessness. I don't want to focus on the tragedies but rather on attacking this feeling of hopelessness.
Last week at our small church group meeting, one person expressed a sincere desire to do something - anything - to make the world better, but he was at a complete loss as to how to proceed. I think all in attendance had similar feelings but brought different perspectives from our own personal experiences. I hope to share some of what we discussed and possibly help give you some hope for the future. Our focus turned to volunteering and giving back to others. You want to help those in need but aren't sure where to start and not sure you even have enough time or energy to do anything if you could. Here are some tips to help you and your family make a difference.
Middle schoolers are at a unique age where they really begin to develop their own identity separate from their parents and their family. There is an extreme focus on "me", which is an important part of human development. However, there is a tendency toward extreme self awareness, sometimes to the expense of awareness of others. Volunteering as a family can be a great way to help middle schoolers develop their own identity and also become more aware of how they, as individuals, relate to the rest of the world.
Start locally and share your passions and talents.
I think there are two key elements to make the most out of volunteering: 1) start with your own area, and 2) volunteer doing things you like to do or are good at. You are more likely get engaged in whatever you do and more likely to sustain your interest.
Even locally, most won't even know what the needs are unless you investigate and ask. Some places to start:
help those reach needed resources? Our church group friend is a realtor and former
builder. We talked about how he might be able to help those who haven't ever
dreamed of owning their own home find funding for affordable housing (HUD, USDA
loans, etc).
Here's a list of other volunteering resources in the Raleigh-Durham area:
Last week at our small church group meeting, one person expressed a sincere desire to do something - anything - to make the world better, but he was at a complete loss as to how to proceed. I think all in attendance had similar feelings but brought different perspectives from our own personal experiences. I hope to share some of what we discussed and possibly help give you some hope for the future. Our focus turned to volunteering and giving back to others. You want to help those in need but aren't sure where to start and not sure you even have enough time or energy to do anything if you could. Here are some tips to help you and your family make a difference.
Middle schoolers are at a unique age where they really begin to develop their own identity separate from their parents and their family. There is an extreme focus on "me", which is an important part of human development. However, there is a tendency toward extreme self awareness, sometimes to the expense of awareness of others. Volunteering as a family can be a great way to help middle schoolers develop their own identity and also become more aware of how they, as individuals, relate to the rest of the world.
Start locally and share your passions and talents.
I think there are two key elements to make the most out of volunteering: 1) start with your own area, and 2) volunteer doing things you like to do or are good at. You are more likely get engaged in whatever you do and more likely to sustain your interest.
Even locally, most won't even know what the needs are unless you investigate and ask. Some places to start:
- Neighborhood: Many neighborhoods have a homeowner's association (HOA). I've been on the Board of Directors of our HOA for two years. We've spent a lot of energy just keeping the neighborhood running but have started to explore ways to do more. Volunteering in your own community can be a great way to get to know your neighbors and build positive, friendly relationships. Just imagine the relationship that can be built by offering to do the following:
- mow a neighbor's yard who isn't able to during the hot summer months.
- walk a neighbor's dog
- bring cold water to neighbors who are working outside
- pick up trash
- pick up groceries for neighbors who can't get to the store
- give rides to the store or library
- give swim lessons if your neighborhood has a pool
- babysit
- tutor or give homework help
- teach music lessons
- start a book club
- create a "welcome basket" for new homeowners
- share a meal
- Library: Local libraries can be a great place to volunteer your time and talents. Many offer summer story time and are always looking for volunteers to read. Our local library offers all kinds of different free programs for the whole family (see below). Even if you don't feel comfortable leading a program, you can always volunteer to help set up or assist with activities. I've also seen many use the library for their tutoring sessions. If your neighborhood uses social media (Facebook, Nextdoor), you can volunteer your time by just posting upcoming library events that you think your neighbors might enjoy.
- Town/City: Expand your search to see what volunteering opportunities are available in your town or city. Our town of Creedmoor has a great way to build community relationships with local police by volunteering to be part of the Citizens Police Academy. Our mayor occasionally posts requests for volunteer opportunities on his Facebook page. Local schools are always looking for community volunteers for the PTA, tutoring, field trips, and special projects around the school. Local businesses and workers have donated time and resources to help build playgrounds, beautify schools, and replace aging equipment that otherwise wouldn't be possible on tight public school budgets. Another place to look for volunteering is through local churches. Even if you aren't affiliated with a particular church or denomination, they are always looking for volunteers, especially for community outreach like food/clothing drives.
help those reach needed resources? Our church group friend is a realtor and former
builder. We talked about how he might be able to help those who haven't ever
dreamed of owning their own home find funding for affordable housing (HUD, USDA
loans, etc).
- Metroplex: Bigger towns and cities often have organizations that help match volunteers with volunteering opportunities. I want to give a shout out to the Durham Rescue Mission which has volunteering opportunities for all ages throughout the year and does a tremendous amount for Durham. My kids and their mom have done a little of everything for the Durham Rescue Mission from donating clothing to the stores, to making and distributing easter baskets, sorting food in the food pantry, and serving food. Additionally, they run homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs and back-to-school programs throughout the Research Triangle area.
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| Durham Rescue Mission |
- The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center
- Hands on Triangle
- Durham Wayfinders (Cultural Arts)
- Habitat for Humanity Durham
- Wake Gov Volunteers
- Activate Good
- City of Raleigh Volunteers (has links for Meals on Wheels, Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network, Greenway volunteering, and many others)
I'd love for you to share your volunteering stories by posting them in the comments. Stay cool and give back.
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