Tami Silverman is the president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute.
It is the time of year when many of us plan big family meals, decorate our homes and start holiday shopping. Yet amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, how do we teach our children to go beyond consumerism to focus on gratitude and the needs of others?
November is National Philanthropy Month, so it’s the perfect time to engage our children in community service. Not only will recipients of the service benefit, but participation in civic engagement also offers clear benefits to kids.
Jill Gordon of the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana says philanthropy boosts youth development. Simple service acts, like donating food or clothing, can help young children develop empathy. Research shows that kids involved in service projects become adults who typically have stronger work ethics, continue to volunteer and have higher voting rates. Teen volunteerism is linked to lower drug use and pregnancy rates, lower risk of suicide and stronger academic outcomes.
More than a third of high school seniors report volunteering at least once a month. Overall, 43.2 percent of Indiana’s 6- to 17-yearolds volunteered in 2016, placing us at the national average but slightly lower than neighboring states.
More than a decade ago The Children's Museum of Indianapolis started the Power of Children Awards to showcase kids who make a difference in their communities. Experts advise that, above all, young people must have a voice in and ownership of their commitment. Debbie Young of the Museum says the one consistent factor in each story is that the award recipients identify, engage and/or design projects that hold special meaning for them.
Nonprofit organizations and schools can spark philanthropy interest by showing kids how to translate their passions and skills into action by actively talking to them about community needs.
Many community organizations offer options that allow parents and children to serve side-by-side.
Teaching children the value of volunteerism often starts at home where family members are crucial role models. Parents can help children as young as 3 learn the ideas of caring and sharing.
Elementary students often start giving and participate in service projects through faith-based and after-school programs. We should talk to middle school children about their place in their community, including direct paths for impact. By high school, students can understand complex problems and their role in potential solutions.
Like many of the skills we teach our children, philanthropy takes practice. Yet with benefits such as increased confidence, improved collaboration skills, and a greater sense of community, training our children to serve has great rewards. During this period of thankfulness and beyond, we can all embody the spirit of Hoosier hospitality by teaching our children to take care of our neighbors, our communities and our world.