Forming a
November Coalition Family Group
Some people have trouble dividing time between family life
and volunteering. Becoming a volunteer along with some or
all of your family members can solve that problem.
Volunteering as a family group can be done by an extended
family, by a husband and wife, a parent and a child, or as
a team of siblings.
Gonzales family: Kansas City, MO 2006
What do you gain by volunteering together as a
family? First, you help assure progress toward that
elusive, but much-pursued goal of "quality time" with each
other while working for justice. Your evening conversations
will be fresh and lively, a time of sharing ideas and
planning for upcoming events.
It gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to teach
children skills that active citizens should develop. You’ll
be teaching a valuable lesson about involvement in
government.
Perhaps you'll decide to call a family meeting and take
time to explain your idea of a November Coalition Family
Group, encouraging others present to give input. Be sure to
have a current list of Coalition projects for review.
Discuss together what projects you think would interest
your family, projects for which individuals have time,
resources and ability.
Edrea Davis & Family, Atlanta, GA 2007
Once you have committed to a volunteer project,
concentrate on it and take it seriously. Parents can
demonstrate to children that volunteer work is important
and meaningful. Talk about the activity during the week and
plan ahead. Your children or other family members will
learn to value and appreciate follow-through and
commitment. You, too, may be challenged by what you
experience as a volunteer. Share those feelings with your
children.
If you're raising several children, the time may come when
you choose to focus on an individual son or daughter.
Sharing a volunteer project as a twosome may be the key to
helping each child feel special.
November and DPFT Texas, Austin, 2000
If your loved one is imprisoned, and you're raising
children, the work accomplished and time spent volunteering
can prove all the more valuable. Children really do become
interested in more than just recreation and play. They can
gain an increased sense of purpose when working on a public
issue that's so important to your family. Remember to be
patient and acknowledge youthful imput. You may be
surprised at how big an impact that involvement can have on
a child's daily attitude. Activism can be empowering for
kids, too! It offers a chance in a real way to do something
positive for the imprisoned loved one, simultaneously
helping to fulfill special, personal needs.
If you are going to have a meeting with many of your
extended family members, be sure to review Your First
Meeting. While family meetings are usually informal, these
instructions will help get the most from them.
