Volunteer Matters, Vol I Ed I, 2023
Celebrating Volunteers in the Capital Regional District • Benefits of Volunteering Don Monsour: Volunteer Champion! • 7 Ways Parents Can Inspire Volunteerism in Teens • What Would Happen if There Were NO Volunteers • Volunteer Opportunities You May Not Have Thought Of
Celebrating Volunteers in the Capital Regional District • Benefits of Volunteering
Don Monsour: Volunteer Champion! • 7 Ways Parents Can Inspire Volunteerism in Teens • What Would Happen if There Were NO Volunteers • Volunteer Opportunities You May Not Have Thought Of
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approach provides them with a taste<br />
of how rewarding volunteering is and<br />
helps them understand the value of their<br />
contributions. As they gain volunteer<br />
experience, they may wish to take on<br />
longer-term volunteer commitments.<br />
5. Be Supportive<br />
Being supportive is crucial for teenagers<br />
to feel comfortable discussing their<br />
volunteering experiences. Listen to what<br />
they have to say about their experiences.<br />
Sometimes volunteering in certain communities<br />
can be difficult, so be there to<br />
help them with the ups and downs of<br />
their volunteer journey. Perhaps the<br />
place they choose to volunteer with is<br />
continually proving to be more difficult<br />
than expected, or it no longer fits with<br />
a new school or activity schedule. Hear<br />
them out and support them by helping<br />
them adjust their schedule or by finding<br />
another volunteer commitment, if necessary.<br />
Are you and your family passionate about helping your<br />
local community but not sure how to get started?<br />
Our Approach: We work collaboratively with you, as volunteers. By joining ICO as<br />
volunteer team members, you will provide the fundraising expertise and project plan.<br />
ICO will provide its services as a charity, delivering pro bono administrative and<br />
professional services to your community project. Our mission is to advance education<br />
and alleviate poverty and we support local projects that align with our mission.<br />
Contact us to learn more about ICO and how<br />
we support Vancouver Island communities.<br />
Email us today:<br />
info@innovativecommunities.org<br />
6. Create a <strong><strong>Vol</strong>unteer</strong> Group<br />
As mentioned above, volunteering<br />
with friends can help your teen get started<br />
or find new interests. Gather a group<br />
of your friends with similar age teens to<br />
create a volunteer group who can work<br />
together, at least at first, to support and<br />
encourage each other.<br />
7. Respect Their Choices<br />
While you’re guiding your teenager<br />
towards volunteering, it’s important to<br />
keep in mind that they are individuals<br />
with their own preferences. Allow them<br />
to choose volunteer opportunities that<br />
resonate with them, even if they differ<br />
from your suggestions. Forcing them<br />
to volunteer with you regularly may<br />
backfire on you. Respecting their choices<br />
helps them develop a deeper sense of responsibility,<br />
plus you’ll be more likely to<br />
have an eager volunteer.<br />
<strong><strong>Vol</strong>unteer</strong> <strong>Matters</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 19
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