WASHINGTON, DC (October 9, 2009) – Family Volunteer Day, an annual day of service initiated by the HandsOn Network, aims to positively shape children’s worldview and position parents as role models for civic responsibility. On November 21, 2009, the National Children’s Museum (NCM) and Oxon Hill Farm will celebrate Family Volunteer Day by giving families the opportunity to make a difference by clearing historic National Park trails for future visitors. On November 21 and 28, NCM will support family volunteering at the Launch Zone, inviting children and their families to craft gifts and holiday decorations benefitting sick children of The Children’s Inn at National Institutes of Health. In pairing NCM’s resources with personal creativity, kid volunteers see how their hard work and compassion can make a difference in the lives of others.

 

Lisa Hershey Zurer, Manager of Cultural Programs at the National Children’s Museum, upholds Family Volunteer Day as a beneficial experience for both children and adults. “While parents share their values and model compassion, children develop a sense of pride, self-esteem, and most importantly see themselves as active contributing members of society,” said Zurer.

 

In addition to the outward ripple effect of volunteering, Zurer adds that Family Volunteer Day is also an opportunity for quality family time. “As adults and children work side-by-side with mutual goals, open lines of communication are forged. Families will go home to discuss their experiences and accomplishments which strengths communication between family members. Children learn to appreciate the remarkable outcomes of a collective group effort while having fun as a family,” she said.

 

Family Volunteer Day champions countless benefits. Here are just a few:

• Strengthens teamwork. Local communities prosper from the attention of many
• Develops awareness. Children are exposed to who and what makes a community. An expanded world perspective evokes values of respect for diversity and compassion toward others.
• Fosters discussion. Family members reflect and trade stories after the volunteer experience. Communication is enhanced as families connect.
• Cultivates inspiration. Parents model proactive community involvement. Children reframe a single act of volunteering as a lifelong habit.

Ready to get started?

• Take your family to pick up trash from a local park. Pack a Frisbee to let loose after a day of work or school.
• Arrange a day of volunteering with your child and a fellow classmate’s family. Everyone will learn you can have fun while making a difference.
• Throw a party with a “helping others” theme. Guests can decorate tote bags, picture frames, and/or greeting cards to be donated to a homeless shelter or hospital.
• Visit the following websites to learn about specific opportunities in your area:

-  www.FamilyCares.org

-  www.1800VOLUNTEER.org

-  www.VOLUNTEERRESOURCE.org

 

Volunteer Events with NCM

Family Volunteer Day at Oxon Hill Farm

Hosted by NCM and Oxon Hill Farm

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009

10 – 11:30 a.m.

 

6411 Oxon Hill Road

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

 

Recommended for families with children ages 6 and up. Reservations requested. Please contact NCM at 202-675-4120 or RSVP@ncm.museum. 

 

Family Volunteer Days at the Launch Zone

Hosted by NCM to benefit The Children’s Inn at

National Institutes of Health

Saturday, Nov. 21 & 28, 2009

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

112 Waterfront Street

National Harbor, MD 20745

T 301-686-0225

 

About the National Children’s Museum