Mission: To inspire and help families volunteer

Vision: To build a culture of family service, so that every child grows up knowing that the world is a better place when we help one another out.

Why does family service matter?

·         Inspires Kids to Care: In a society that so often appears to reward materialism and greed, volunteering together at a homeless shelter, crisis nursery or nature preserve can be a powerful way to pass on the values of caring, compassion and social responsibility to children.

·         Strengthens Families: Doing volunteer projects gives family members a reason to spend quality time together, brings parents and children closer by inspiring important conversations about values, attitudes and beliefs, and allows for intergenerational connections.

·         Builds Communities: When families volunteer in the community, critical needs get met, such as cleaner parks or meals delivered to shut-ins. In addition, studies indicate that children who volunteer are twice as likely to volunteer as adults as those who do not. When parents nurture their child’s sense of compassion and commitment toward their community, we build a better world for now and the future.

What does Doing Good Together offer?

·         A website (www.doinggoodtogether.org) with free updated resources and tips for engaging families in philanthropy.

·         A free monthly e-newsletter full of simple service ideas, family stories and pointers for starting discussions with children about specific social issues. You can also receive a free monthly listing of Twin Cities family volunteer opportunities. Sign up on our website.

·         Workshops for parent, faith, business or civic groups; educators; service-learning practitioners; and volunteer managers.

·         A Family Service Night Manual to assist groups that want to create a fun volunteer evening  offering simple, hands-on service projects for families.

·         The Busy Family’s Guide to Volunteering by Jenny Friedman, the executive director of Doing Good Together.  This comprehensive resource describes hundreds of family volunteer opportunities.

·         Customized assistance for groups that want an organized approach to their family service efforts. Ideal for nonprofit agencies, faith communities, schools, businesses or parent groups. Offerings cater to a range of interest:

o   Materials that will encourage volunteerism and educate families about the important social issues they may want to target.

o   Help with planning family volunteer projects, whether it’s a simple activity to get your feet wet or a full “Family Service Day.”

o   Training and consultation to create a comprehensive family service program.

For more information, contact us at mail@doinggoodtogether.org or 612.822.6502.