Volunteering

Coolest volunteer abroad opportunities

Jessica Padykula — Mon, 13 May 2013 06:21:00 -0700

Want to get more out of your next trip and lend a helping hand while you're at it? We're rounding up some of the most fun and interesting volunteer opportunities around the world.

Secrets of involved moms

Sarah W. Caron — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

You know those moms who always seem to be helping in the school library, planning a school event and coaching soccer? They are forces of nature. But what's their secret for being so involved — and juggling life at the same time?

How to support your local library

Molly Cerreta Smith — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:00:00 -0700

In honor of National Library Week from April 14 to 20, we encourage you to rally around your local book nook. You don't have to donate money to support it — there are many other ways to help ensure your neighborhood library will be around for years to come.

5 Ideas for Big Help projects

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Taylor Swift may have scored The Big Help Award at last year's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, but with a little inspiration, your kiddos can also give back to the community. From organizing kids' community service projects like food drives to helping pick up litter in your neighborhood, discover five ideas for Big Help projects that kids can do, even on their own.

The politics of parent-teacher organizations

Mary Fetzer — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:00:00 -0800

Joining the parent-teacher organization at your child’s school is a great way to be actively involved in your child’s education. But sometimes, when a lot of different personalities come together for a cause, there can be drama. Don’t walk away — rise above petty politics and do what you can to improve this worthwhile organization.

5 Socially responsible family New Year's resolutions

Tiernan McKay — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:00:00 -0800

It’s pretty easy to come up with New Year’s resolutions that target your wallet or your waistline. Resolving to give back can sometimes be more difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.

4 Holiday volunteering opportunities for teens

Maria Mora — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Get your teens involved with holiday giving this season. Volunteering offers teens a rewarding, enriching way to make the most of free time over winter break. Discover four ways your teen can give back.

Giving back: Holiday charity projects for teens

Sherri Kuhn — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:00:00 -0800

School is out and the holidays are in full gear. Your teen may have visions of being lazy dancing in his head, but isn’t there something more productive he could do? The holidays are a time when local agencies can use an extra set of hands, and many are more than happy to have teens help out. Who can you help in your area?

Work with your kids to support victims of superstorm Sandy

Maria Mora — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:00:00 -0700

As millions of Americans struggle to recover from the devastating effects of superstorm Sandy, learn what your family can do to help with disaster relief. Help your kids process their feelings about the storm by getting them involved with relief efforts.

Volunteering app Cause.it rewards do-gooders

Kristin Bustamante — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:43:00 -0700

Cause.it, an interactive mobile app launched during SXSW Interactive in Austin, hopes its rewards will encourage users to do good.

Why do you volunteer in the classroom?

SheKnows Parenting Editors — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:00:00 -0700

With school budgets under ever increasing stress, and cuts happening in even the wealthiest of school districts, volunteering in the schools is more important than ever. Assistants and aides are often some of the first positions on the chopping block , so teachers need help in the classroom with everything from set-up to photocopying to leading small group activities. If you have the time and inclination, it's very much worth your effort to be a classroom volunteer.

The Trevor Project prevents LGBTQ teen suicide

Kortney Tenaglia — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:45:00 -0700

Regardless of political or religious beliefs, hearts will break when we read the headlines that someone has taken his or her own life. The concept is even harder to digest when that person took their life because of judgments made on their sexuality. Sometimes they simply succumb to a fear to express it. September marks Suicide Awareness Month and encourages us to take a look at the people who selflessly work not only now, but daily throughout the year to save these lives — Harry Potter is one of them.

8 Ways you can help fight hunger

Aimee Fortney — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Millions in America are hungry, but even one person can help make a difference.

Volunteer with your local animal shelter

Molly Cerreta Smith — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:39:00 -0700

People aren’t the only ones who need help and care at shelters. There are literally thousands of owner-less dogs that need love and care as well. Communities all across America have animal shelters that are likely in need of dedicated animal lovers like you to volunteer.

Volunteering opportunities for teens

Maria Mora — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:00:00 -0700

Most teens must complete community service requirements for graduation and school organizations. Help your child find meaningful volunteering opportunities that inspire a lifetime of giving back to the community.

Get your kids off the couch and involved in charity work

Kori Ellis — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

We all want to raise respectful, kind children who are willing to help those in need. You can instill the idea of helping others and doing charity work in your kids from a very young age. We talked to 13-year old philanthropist Julien Leitner, founder of the non-profit organization Archimedes Alliance, for his insight on how to introduce children to helping others and make charity part of your everyday lives.

How (and why) to volunteer with your dog

Patricia Conte — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:31:00 -0800

Think about the warm and fuzzies your pooch brings you -- and share that feeling with others!

Teen addiction: Volunteering decreases substance abuse in teens

Karen Hawthorne — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:27:00 -0800

Having trouble with your rebellious teen? Get them involved in community volunteer work. A new study from the University of Missouri found that this type of prosocial activity makes youth less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol.

Top 5 volunteer trip destinations

Tracy E. Hopkins — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:00:00 -0800

Studies show that volunteering can increase an individual’s sense of well-being, alleviate chronic pain and reduce depression.

“I felt connected and understood what I was doing,” says Lori Harasem, a native of Canada who volunteered with Rebuild New Orleans Together to rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

"I really liked that we got to know about the person whose home we were rebuilding. To think of this senior, single woman living in a trailer made me aware that the need [for housing] was, and sadly still is, so great.”

So what are we waiting for? Whether you’re keen on carpentry, nature preservation or teaching abroad, there’s a volunteer vacation out there to suit your interests. Here are SheKnows.com’s five volunteer travel picks.

Teaching compassion through the holidays

Tana Johnson — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:01:00 -0800

As the holiday season moves into full swing, it's often the time of the year that brings to mind what you can get, get, get... and subsequently forget about the true spirit of the season! This year, encourage every member of your family, no matter what age, to be compassionate and to give of themselves during the holidays. The lessons learned will leave a lasting impression throughout the year and bring you even closer together as a family.

Tips on hosting a foreign exchange student

Beth Stewart — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:00:00 -0700

It is possible to expose your children to an international education, the cultures of others and still stay at home. How you ask? Consider becoming a host family to an international exchange student. The benefits to your children and your family will be huge.