Step Forward | It’s a Family Affair

Guest post by Betsy Crowfoot

What sort of fantasy was this? My teenaged daughter – typically coifed, made-up, and wearing the latest of fashions; with her hair in a ponytail, donned in yellow overalls and rubber boots splattered with fish guts. The same child I had to beg and plead to clean her room; on her hands and knees scrubbing a concrete floor pungent with sea lion poop.

Had I died and gone to heaven?

There are many reasons people volunteer. We do it to ‘feel good’ or ‘make a difference’; explore new skills or fields; network; fill empty hours; meet new people. But of all the perqs of volunteering, this was it! ‘The opportunity to see my daughter in a different light — capable, knowledgeable, confident and caring. And the chance for her to see me, working side-by-side for a cause she believes in. It was the icing on the cake.

“It’s exciting to see families work together for a common goal and giving to others,” says Ruth Dover, Director of Business Operations at the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI), where my daughter Coco volunteers with both her dad, and me.

CIMWI is a non-profit organization founded to rescue and rehabilitate wounded, sick and stranded marine wildlife in California’s Santa Barbara Channel. CIMWI also works to help determine the causes in animal deaths and strandings, and helps advocate for a cleaner, safer habitat for marine wildlife (visit www.cimwi.org for more information). Volunteers monitor and rescue (when needed) animals in the wild, feed and take care of ‘patients’, clean and maintain the facility, do outreach, and release rehabilitated animals.

“People are busier than ever,” says Ruth, “so finding common issues and volunteering is a great way for families to spend time together, while giving back and helping an organization they both believe in.”

“The family dynamics can be interesting to watch,” she continues. “Sometimes it’s the parent leading the involvement and sometimes it’s the kid. Both the kids and the parents get to learn more about one another – their beliefs, how they work with others and on tasks, and their strengths and weaknesses.”

‘That’s for sure. While Coco (17) was adept at handling sea lions and giving them necessary force-feedings, I was content to measure portions of fish and scrub enclosures.

“Sometimes it’s hard because parents want to be … parents,” Coco laughs. “But there are times when I get to be the expert and educate my  parents.” At CIMWI Coco has learned to measure and administer medications, tend to wounded animals, and cajole them into eating. Together, we have scrubbed pens ‘til they’re spic-n-span; and had the joy of releasing healthy animals back into the environment.

As for Coco, there’s an added perq. “It’s exciting, because they’re wild animals, and not everyone gets the chance to do something like this. Learning how to work with endangered and wild animals has led me to my future career.” Coco plans to study exotic animal management in college next year.

“Having children volunteer with an organization is a way to build long term involvement and support. Hopefully the kids that volunteer with an organization will become lifetime supporters and remain involved throughout their adulthood,” says Ruth.

“Parents have the opportunity to plant a seed for volunteering with their children and help cultivate it. The future of our oceans and planet are in the hands of our children and the children to come. Being passionate about a cause and volunteering to support that cause will make a difference.”

Tips for Family Volunteerism

Follow the Leader

Follow your child’s lead in choosing a field or organization to volunteer with. Your kids are likely to be more dedicated, and will appreciate your support.

Be Creative

Some organizations may have age restrictions for volunteers or limit activities of younger children. Find a way to be involved within the structure. “Word of mouth and learning about something from a peer are powerful things,” says Ruth Dover. “Young volunteers have the ability to share information and influence their friends, too.”

Be Proud

Volunteering together builds a sense of pride, stewardship and responsibility that will last a lifetime. Encourage and reward your child’s desire to step forward!