Planting the Seeds of Compassion - A Parent's Special Gift

By Ann Rohrbach, Parents' Source, November 20, 1999.

Rarely a day goes by when we do not witness images of violence on TV and in movies, in our communities, and in our schools. We want to protect our children and give them resources to face an uncertain and sometimes dangerous world. We also want to help them to make it better.

It is difficult to know where to begin. Someone is always pointing fingers and offering solutions, blaming parents, schools, the NRA, the media, or the government. Everyone is talking, but what examples can we actually be setting for our children? What can we do to promote a world where people have time to listen, to care, and to understand? What can we do to create a human society where hurting with your hands or words is simply not an option?

We teach our children to talk, read, and ride a bicycle. We need to also teach our children compassion. We must take the time to teach the value of listening, and the joys of our colorful, diverse world. We need to help them feel the bond we have with other people and creatures that exists because we are all alive and have feelings. We can teach our children all of these things through volunteerism.

Can children really volunteer and make a difference in our community and our world? You bet they can! Even the smallest child can bring joy into the lives of others, and find the joy of giving in their own hearts. The best way to start is by volunteering together. We all know children learn by example and experience. When you volunteer yourself and include your child in the activity, you will begin to set a standard in their lives that you can perpetuate through generations!

Volunteerism, like manners, good health practices, and family beliefs and traditions, becomes a natural part of children's lives that can be nurtured and reinforced over the years. Children learn that helping others feels great, and can be a way to learn about people, causes, their world, and themselves. Volunteering is also a good way for both children and adults to meet new people, get exposed to new ideas and perspectives, and put our talents and abilities to work.

The Red Cross and many other service agencies have projects that you and your children can participate in at home and in the community. Agencies may also have youth service groups for older children. The Red Cross has Service Action Corps (SAC) and a Clown Troupe for youth ages 11 ­ 18. Simply call any agency and ask for information on volunteer opportunities for children and youth, or look for listings for agencies and service groups and the Volunteer Center in your phone book, in the library, and on the Internet.

You can also create your own simple service projects for your family, without connections to a particular group. Here are a few examples.

1. Have your children help you make a meal and a cheer card for an elderly or disabled neighbor. Bring your children when you deliver the gifts, and visit for a while.

2. Nothing to do on a beautiful day? Grab some gloves, garbage bags, and the kids, and clean up your favorite neighborhood park!

3. Call an animal shelter or nature preserve, and ask how you can help the animals!

4. Teach your children that service begins at home. Your loved ones deserve the same care and compassion that you give to others in your community. A helping hand, words of encouragement, a special treat, or a hug can make more or a difference than you know.

Always praise your children on their hard work and caring. Share your feelings about the project ­ what you learned, and what you would like to do next.

Older children can benefit from doing community service projects with their peers. Agencies, churches, schools, community centers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H and Campfire Boys and Girls may all have service opportunities available for your teen. The Red Cross has service opportunities available through our Chapter House. All Berks and Lancaster County schools, and many churches and community centers also have service opportunities available. Older children who are exploring career paths, or are facing community service requirements for school, church, or Scouts, can turn to youth service groups for volunteer opportunities. (For more volunteer opportunities for kids, see the Human Services and Support Directory on page 34.)

When I was growing up, I was personally directed into my career path by my volunteer experiences. My mother always volunteered at church, school, and many other organizations, and I often assisted her. As a teen, I did service projects with my church youth group, and the Daughters Division of my mother's Woman's Club. I served as a Candy Striper at my local hospital, and volunteered with the ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) and Special Olympics. These experiences touched my heart and broadened my mind. I learned the power of active listening, a hug, and the touch of a hand. I learned that all people, regardless of their age, abilities, background, personality, or life experiences, had something they could teach me. I identified my own personal gifts of the spirit, and discovered that I could make a difference using these gifts. I went on to use them as a mother, church administrator, outreach worker, educator, and as a community volunteer and service professional.

Without volunteers, many services that are needed and provided in our community would not exist. Service organizations deeply appreciate the involvement of all volunteers. Children and youth volunteers bring a special energy and openness to the groups they serve. Youth volunteers quickly learn how important it is for a volunteer to be reliable, to communicate well with the staff and consumers they serve, to be discreet and keep confidences. Eventually, youth that continue to serve develop the valuable acquired skills of leadership and professionalism. As a mother, volunteer and services professional, it is a joy for me to watch wide-eyed, caring children grow into dedicated, caring adults! It is a blessing to plant the seeds of compassion and watch them grow! It gives us all hope for our future and theirs.

Ann Rohrbach is the Youth Services Specialist at the Berks County Chapter ­ American Red Cross

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