I want to help kids, but I want to actually work WITH the kids.?

Question

I am a 13 year old girl in Austin, TX, and I am homeschooled so I have LOTS of free time. I want something where I can see the kids over and over like once, twice, or three times a week, but the same kids. So that they get to know me, and I get to know them. Something like safeplace but you have to be 18 to volenteer at most places like that. Kind of like a kid's home? Like an orphanage or something? And maybe I could take them christmas presents or something? I know this might no t make a lot of sense, but I want to help kids less fourtanate than me. Please answer.

No, I want to actually BE with the kids. And yes, I have told my mom. She said research it on the internet.

Answer 1

When I was around your age, I used to do volunteer work with handycapped children. It was through a special program that was held by a privately owned stable where I boarded my horse. It was a group, however, we each had one person that we would help and stay with during the group meets every week. You, probably don't have horse experience, but I'm mentioning this because there maybe other interest groups out there that do the same type of thing. Age didn't matter, and it was very rewarding. I made many friends. Have you contacted any Handy Capped or disabled homes or organizations?Also, don't know how it's worked where you live, but you may want to check with Social Services, or churchs in your area to find out if they no of any kind of "Big Sister" program. Also, may want to find out if there are any kind of Children's Hospitals in your area, because I'm not sure of the age you have to be, but I had a friend that's daughter used to go read, play games, etc. with children, while hospitalized for long term illnesses.

Have you checked to see at local playgrounds, if they have junior assistants?

That is so kind of you to want to do something like that. Hope you can find something. "Big Sister" would be ideal. Good luck. It would be a better world, if there were more people like you. Good luck. Sorry I can't give you specific places to contact. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Answer 2

I used to volunteer over christmas - I'd dress as an elf and bring presents to less fortunate kids, kids in hospitals, even the elderly in hospitals...it was really rewarding.

There are the 'big brother/big sister' programs, with those you can mentor a kid, but I think you need to be 15?

You could check with the girl guides program and see if they need volunteers for certain activities (with the younger ages...)

why not try babysitting? If your mom is home with you, you could ask if she'd supervise if you babysit some kids. Unfortunately, this can have some legal issues if a kid gets hurt while under your care.

You could do one of those, "support a child in some impovershed nation for a dollar a day" things, I know some of those programs allow you to corespond with the child you are sponsoring.

Good luck

Answer 3

You have already gotten some good advice. Here are a few more things you should know:

(1) because of liability issues, most organizations, *particularly* those that work with children, do not accept volunteers under the age of 18. Some organizations will allow for younger volunteers if they are accompanied by their parent, who is willing to undergo a criminal background check and is willing to accept responsibility for your supervision.

(2) rather than stressing your own want to help young people, you need to stress what you actually have to offer young people. What can you do? What experience do you have with younger people? (for instance, have you babysat?) How would you be willing to spend your time with young people, to serve them rather than yourself?

You should also look into Girl Scouts -- there may be a local troop in your area that's already engaged in this type of activity. In addition, look into communities of faith -- temples, mosques and churches -- as they also engage in these kinds of activities and may welcome your participation.

Answer 4

Have you discussed this with your parents, or guardian, they will be able to help you, One thing you can do is make Christmas Boxes for kids through Samaritans Purse, and take them to a local participating church, they go to children that don't have things like we do, another thing, maybe a local community service, or church would let you just help around being a good mentor.

Answer 5

You have answered you own question...now go for it!!