Volunteer in the New Year
With a new year comes a chance for a fresh start in many aspects of life. Perhaps you want to tackle a new habit or hobby, or organize your home so you are ready to take on what may come your way. While many resolutions center on personal growth, there is one activity that you can add to your life that will serve both your family and your community: volunteering!
When you volunteer, you are not only helping others, you are helping yourself. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering has significant health benefits, including improved physical and mental health. Not only that, but volunteering provides a sense of purpose, teaches valuable skills, and can nurture new or existing relationships. Helping your children grow into big-hearted children who contribute to society in a positive way by volunteering this year.
Where to Start: Easy Ways to Volunteer
Family life is so busy, and adding more things to your plate might seem impossible. An easy way to start volunteering without a big lift? Try Doing Good Together’s 30 Day Kindness Challenge. Print the kindness challenge, and hang it somewhere in your house where you are sure to see it each day. (Perhaps the refrigerator?) Make time for each day's challenge. If you need to swap days or complete multiple tasks on the weekend, that's okay. The goal is to complete one each day, but be flexible – and don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day.
If you’re not already, subscribe to our curated Miami-based volunteer listings. Each month, you will receive a list of family-focused volunteer opportunities right in your inbox. We do the research for you to make it as easy as possible for you to volunteer. You may even find an organization to volunteer with long-term!
Looking to help outdoors this winter? Miami-based volunteercleanup.org is your one-stop shop for beach cleanups near you. You will find all the information you need to help clean up Miami’s shoreline.
Make Volunteering a Sustainable Resolution
It takes time and dedication to build a new habit, so give yourself grace if you have trouble fitting in volunteer time at first. Here are some ideas for how to build a habit that will last a lifetime.
Start Small: You don’t have to commit hours to your activity. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to keep going.
Choose a Cause that Fits your Values: You will be more motivated to volunteer if you are passionate about what you are working on.
Reflect: Reflecting on your experiences with your family will help deepen the meaning of your work -- in fact, using DGT’s Reflection Tools for Service Projects, your family will be able to work through any emotions that arise from your time helping others, learn about important social issues, and apply what they have learned to future experiences. And, it will spark meaningful conversations!
Doing Good Together’s Miami Kindness Project content is FREE thanks to the generous support of the Al and Jane Nahmad Foundation.