Plant seeds for lifelong service

One of the beautiful things about being a Builders Club sponsor is you can help plant the seeds for lifelong service. Builders Club members are more likely to become lifelong volunteers if they enjoy their service projects and know they are contributing to their communities. Here then, from Volunteer Leadership Magazine, are some tips you can use to help them succeed:

• Partner kids with adults who are experienced volunteers and can provide guidance.
• Show appreciation for the child’s efforts.
• Encourage curiosity.
• When possible, do hands-on projects, such as making seasonal cards for hospital patients, visiting the elderly, working at a food bank.
• Encourage the kids to brainstorm for ideas on service projects and how they’d like to approach them.
• Point out results and successes. When kids see how much the elderly enjoy them visiting, for example, they’re more apt to continue.

Commit to helping kids believe in themselves and what they’re doing as Builders Club members. This will help them achieve their service goals—and have a lot of fun at the same time.