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Doing community service as a family is a wonderful family tradition.  Here are some things to consider:

1. What agency should you serve?  It is important to contact a variety of agencies asking them what needs they have that your family might be able to fill (click here for possible agencies).  Many well intentioned projects are undertaken without a clear understanding of agency need.  When making this call, be ready to tell them your group size, time availability as well as the number and ages of family members.
2. What kind of project should we do?  As noted above, it is important to operate from the perspective of what needs do the various agencies have and which of those needs can your family best meet.  I can’t emphasize enough the importance of working out of the agency’s need.
3. What kind of permission do we need to get?  Some agencies have special release forms that will need to be signed ahead of time.  Some have no release forms or you can sign them the day of the service.
4. We have a child in the Upper School, how do we know if the project meets the Summit’s graduation requirement?  Feel free to click here for an explanation of what types of service meet the graduation requirement.  Also, you are always welcome to contact the Coordinator of Community Service at johnson_m@summitcds.org to find out whether the proposed project does or does not count for graduation hours.  Whether or not the hours count towards graduation is not important; however, what is important is that you know the answer to the question prior to doing the service project.
5. What about at the agency, who is responsible for the kids there?  As parents, we are responsible for our kids.  If the agency is asking your kids to perform tasks you feel are either dangerous or not in keeping with your family values, you should intervene and inform the agency that you and your family are not able to perform the task.  Most agencies will have other work for you to do.
6. What do we do if the project is not “successful”?  Sometimes service projects do not go the way we hope.  The agency might not be ready for you, the work might not be seen as valuable, you might have a melt-down in the family, etc.  It is important to the service experience.  Encourage your child(ren) to reflect on the service from two perspectives – First, how did we work together as a family?  What did we learn about each other?  What do we take back to our home from the experience?  Secondly, how did we assist the agency?  What issues does the agency address with which we could further assist?  What are the root causes of the problems the agency is addressing?  If, in the course of this discussion, you realize the project did not go the way you hoped, feel free to contact the Community Service Coordinator and he/she will assist you in working with the situation.
7. What are some age appropriate service opportunities?  This is going to vary from family to family.  Some ideas are noted below.