Shaunagh O’Connor

While volunteering is primarily about freely giving time to help others without expecting any reward, for children it can have some powerful benefits.

It’s a great way for them to make new friends, get out of their comfort zone, broaden their view of the world, enhance gratitude for the good things in their life and have fun.

With so much going for it, many parents embrace their child’s enthusiasm for volunteering, but as is the case with any new venture your child embarks on, it’s good to get some safety measures in place, especially if you won’t be on hand to monitor their activity.

Who is in charge?

Make sure you know what your child has volunteered for and don’t assume they have all the details correct just because they give you a verbal run-down of their plans.

School-run programs and those organised by official community groups should have documents outlining the project your mini volunteer will be a part of, and you should receive a copy of these.

Usually the paperwork comes with a request that you read, sign and return it as a way of indicating your consent that your child participates.

Find out who will be in charge of children when they are out in the community, and the ratio of children-to-adult supervisors.

Just in case

The NSW Department of Education and Training advises all student volunteers to have a Student Contact Card completed so the organisation or group hosting their volunteer activity knows who to call in an emergency.

The card includes who to call, both in and outside business hours, and details of allergies and doctor contact information.
It’s a good idea for children to have this in their bag or in a pocket every time they go on an excursion or set out on a volunteer assignment.

Street smart

The Non-Profit Risk Management Center, specialising in advice for not-for-profit organisations, has some good ideas to protect volunteers as they go about their duties.

Most make use of old-fashioned street smarts and common sense, and using what children already know about stranger danger. It’s good to remind children of relevant points before they start their stint as a volunteer.

Tips include:

When part of a formal volunteer program, children should be performing their duties in pairs or groups at all times and/or stay in sight of their adult carer or supervisor. If volunteering on their own initiative, such as helping a neighbour or someone else in the surrounding community, it may be appropriate for them to go with a sibling or a friend.

Remind children never to go into unknown territory, even with a friend. Steer clear of isolated spaces such as parks and unattended school grounds, and never wander streets they are unfamiliar with.
Volunteer activities that involve cold-call door knocking are generally not suitable for primary school-age children.

Avoid wearing labels or name tags that give away too much information about yourself, such as a full name  - including surname - next to the name of your school or suburb.

If your child has a mobile phone for emergency use, make sure the battery is charged and they know your contact number. Also make sure you or another nominated emergency contact will be available during the time the child is volunteering. Leave valuables at home, but carry enough money for a bus or taxi fare in an emergency.

Remind your children that, while being polite, they also have the right to be assertive when dealing with adults they don’t know well. This means they have the right to refuse to accompany an adult to a place where they may not feel safe, and to request that a room’s door remains open when they are inside that room with a lone adult.

Parents can volunteer too

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities where the entire family can work together so you can monitor your child’s safety firsthand, or get them started on a stint of volunteering before you leave them to it.

You can find out more about this type of volunteering at:

www.govolunteer.com.au
www.actnow.com.au
www.volunteeringaustralia.org
www.volunteer.com.au

References:

http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/volunteering/
www.nonprofitrisk.org

Related readings

What Do Kids Want?
Activity Personalities
Building Resilient Students