I’m sure that, as a grant writer, you often come across groups that wish to benefit from your expertise at no charge. Sometimes it’s tempting to help out because we are, after all, in this business to help others. As parents, we want to teach our children the same giving principles. But how do we get started?
Here’s my review of a wonderful book developed by the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills, The Littlest Volunteers
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As an individual who has been involved in community service from a young age, someone who married a man equally involved in servant leadership, and the parent of two young children that have developed their own passion for keeping the world “healthy”, I am always on the lookout for resources to help me involve my children in the gift of service. Because of liability reasons, many nonprofit organizations choose to limit volunteering to teens, but those that can cultivate the passion of children even younger will find great loyalty.
This vibrantly illustrated story about Annie the ant and her experiences with volunteering is beautiful. Annie says, “I don’t think I am big enough to volunteer.” Her mother responds, “You have a big heart and that’s a great start. The rest is up to you.” And indeed, it is. As Annie dreams up a way that she can help others in her community, she gets a warm feeling in her heart. At school the next day, she rallies her friends to host a “Help Your Neighbors Day”. Everyone has lots of fun and gets to witness first-hand the reward that comes with service.
If you are interested in engaging your children in community service and are looking for a creative way to help get them started, this is a terrific book. It can jump-start a conversation about volunteering at a soup kitchen, with the homeless, by collecting food and clothes, by visiting sick “bugs” in the hospital, and more.
Highly recommended. A rare treat in children’s literature.
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The Littlest Volunteers
To learn more about The Littlest Volunteers
The Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills
