Each semester I strive to teach the children in my after school program that they are an important part of a larger community as well as wonderful individuals in their own right. They choose a community service project to work on and hopefully it will lead them toward that understanding.

In the first article I wrote about what children could do to help improve the immediate environment in which they live-their school, home, parks or other public buildings they might visit. In this second article, I have some ideas for the larger community in which they live-shelters for the homeless, food pantries, animal shelters and retirement communities.

When the children choose what they wish to work on, I have them look at how much time it will take, what the investment of resources will be to them and what the payoff will be to the community. I have them explore why their work matters. The children choose the final project, though I choose the options for them to explore-I vet them to make sure that they are viable options that they can complete as well as ones that they are willing to work on.

The final project is important. The children need to feel a sense of ownership for it, the goal needs to matter to them and they need have a clear and easy step of steps to follow in order to achieve their goal no matter how old or young they are. It helps to chart the progress toward that goal well and often, and to let them know how splendid they are even if they did not achieve the goal they set for themselves.

That’s how to get started. Now here are some ideas that have worked in the past to engage the children in the larger community.

For the Hungry: In almost every community across America there is at least one food pantry for people of low incomes to visit. Some families in your group might even take part, particularly in the economic times that we face today, and that might be something to consider before putting this option up. This is a simple one though, easy to track and easy to do. Pick a charity that takes food items-usually canned or non-perishable boxed goods-and make posters telling what items can be donated, where they will be taken and for how long the collection will be going on. Have the children make the posters and help them decide what is important to be on them and how to get the message across in the best possible way. Chart what is collected, either how much total or even how much of single items. I would suggest doing this in the summer or spring, and I say that because so many organizations do food drives during the fall and before the winter holidays. People are actually hungry all year round, not just from Thanksgiving to New Years. Every season should be the season of giving, but isn’t usually. It’s a good reminder to your kids that taking care of others who need it isn’t seasonal. Call around to different places and see what the centers actually need also. If they have two shelves of boxed noodles but no rice or beans, focus on the later. Do what will do the most good and engage your children in that process.

If posters and collections bins are put up in schools or centers, make sure that all items are okayed with the administration first. There might be very good reasons things shouldn’t be out in a certain hall way and you don’t want to start a project and then have to stop when all of your things are returned to you!

For the Cold: Have a warmth drive. Take a look at local organizations for families and the elderly and call around to see who needs what and how much-blankets, coats, mittens, scarves, hats, etc.. Just like the food drive, put up posters listing what you are collecting and why, and for how long the drive will be going on. In the past I have taught some of the older kids to knit, crochet or work on knitting looms and they made items to donate. That won’t work with every group, but it is grand when it does, and you would be surprised by how many items you get when it is promoted in such a way that hand made items are welcome. Again, call around and see what is actually needed at the shelter or organization that you’ve chosen. If they have blankets in storage, but not warm clothes for kids, concentrate on that. Have the kids again work on posters to post and remember to check with the building administration before posting. Again, chart your progress, having the children keep track of what is collected.

For the Four Legged Friends: In this time of need across America, there are more and more animals being taken to shelters, and not just cats and dogs but birds, rabbits, mice, lizards-you name it! Most shelters are truly over burdened and their budgets are simply not capable of sustaining food and shelter for all of those little critters. There are several ways that a group of children can help out. They can have a bake sale to raise money for the shelter-check with the shelter first to see how to legally make your monetary donation. Advertise by announcing at your school when and where it will be held and what the money will be used for-be specific! You could take donations of blankets and food and other needed pet items. Find out from the shelter what they really need and push those items. Also, most shelters won’t take food items if they have been opened in case that food has been contaminated, so make sure that is stated some where on the poster or in any announcements that you make.

As individuals, if your children are interested, they can volunteer at most shelters to help exercise and socialize the animals. It’s a great thing for a family to do together, and can really help out shelters that need it. Just be prepared for the “Can we keep her?”

Most shelters are also happy to come and talk to your group, bringing some of their furry friends with them. It’s great for them to get some publicity, and fun for kids who might not have a lot of exposure to animals.

For the Elderly: Not every group will have the ability to take kids or young adults to a retirement home or center, but if you can, it’s a great experience for everyone. Arrange a time with the staff of whatever home or shelter you choose and then bus your group over to sing, play cards or just hang out and talk to the seniors there. A little bit of time goes a long way! Make sure if you are working with young kids you have all of the permission slips required filled out and signed by parents/guardians before going and that you have a set activity planned. Older kids might be able to just hang out talking and listening, but that might be too much to expect from the little ones with less confidence and experience. It’s enriching all around, and the children will be surprised by how great a time they had.

No matter what you choose to do for your group, remember to make an investment of time and resources in it yourself. If the kids see you striving to achieve a goal they are much more likely to work on it. Even teenagers want approval from the adults in their lives, even if they don’t show it, so don’t be stingy with it! Tell them what a wonderful job they did, and encourage them in their efforts. Despite popular opinion to the contrary, one does not have to bribe children with chintzy prizes to get them to do fund raisers and the like. With encouragement and good examples they will want to work on a cause for the cause’s sake, not for what it will necessarily get them in the way of material goods.

That is part two of this series. The next section deals with projects that benefit and bring awareness to the world community. Part one can be located at

http://www.socyberty.com/Education/Civic-Projects-for-Children-The-Green-Team-1.326405

Happy reading!

Other articles by me:

http://www.gomestic.com/Family/Green-Activities-for-Kids-to-Do-Outside.292969http://www.quazen.com/Recreation/Crafts/How-to-Make-Walnut-Ink.297015http://www.gomestic.com/Family/Getting-Kids-in-Touch-Texture-Activities-for-the-Young.305489