The Busy Family's Guide to Volunteering: Doing Good Together

This book is amazing. I first found it at the library and had to buy my own. We use it all the time - not only for ideas but for resources in terms of books, videos, websites, etc.

Between two careers, three kids, homework, countless school and after-school activities, and the daily grind of laundry, cleaning, and cooking, I have yet to find that perfect "balance" proclaimed possible by so many women's magazines. Throw in the idea of volunteering, and I might just cry. Tell me I should get the whole family involved, and I'm more likely to laugh.How in the world could I find time to get my family to volunteer together?Jenny Friedman has an idea. In fact, she has lots of ideas for families of all shapes, sizes, and income levels. From toddlers to teens, Friedman lists activities kids can tackle from home to the ends of the earth.Friedman makes the case that one of the best ways to teach kids compassion and responsibility is by letting them help others, and by tying their volunteering opportunities to their interests and passions.Accordingly, her new book lays out volunteer possibilities working directly with people, protecting animals, supporting the environment, fighting poverty, building community, and taking social action. From letter-writing to mentoring, serving in soup kitchens to organizing fundraisers, tutoring to coupon clipping, there are ideas even the youngest and the most over-stressed can manage.This book should be in every church and school library, and would be a great gift for young (and not-so-young) families.

Jenny Friedman's book is the ultimate "how-to" for busy parents who understand the true value of caring about others; want to raise children who are empathic, caring and generous; and are seeking meaningful ways to connect and spend time with their children. As a child psychologist and busy working parent of three children, this book is particularly meaningful for me. While I strive to teach my children the importance of community awareness and volunteerism, I often feel as though there aren't enough hours in the day. Jenny Friedman's book provides simple, easy, meaningful ways for families to make a difference in the lives of others-- often without ever leaving the living room! We have already incorporated countless suggestions from this book we are so grateful for this invaluable reference.

The Busy Family's Guide to Volunteering is a wonderfully comprehensive digest of multiple opportunities that exist for families to work together to make a difference on a one-time, intermittent, or ongoing basis. Ms. Friedman offers very supportive advice about not letting this become one more complication in a busy family's life. Her book offers so many different ways to contribute so that almost anyone's schedule can be accommodated. The anecdotal stories contribute to the sense that these are reachable and doable tasks for all ages. The many references are concise and informative; the thoughtful appendix provides ways to get started as you assess your families' interests and abilities to help. This is a valuable resource for home, school and public libraries, as well as faith-based organizations and service groups.

JFK asked us to see what we can do for the country rather than what the country can do for us. I read this book and got excellent insight as to how we can practice family values by working together to help the world around us. Volunteering as a family provides some solid foundation for the children of tomorrow. As we all have learned, our children, learn not by merely what we say and ask them to do but by what we do.I am delighted to see Dr. Jenny Friedman write a simple, step by step yet very compelling and practical ideas for the families to provide service to make this world a better place to live.After I read this book, I decided to buy a personal copy of this book as my holiday gift to all of my staff. My staff are based not only in the United States but also in Japan, Ireland, Spain and Germany. Each of them have already called me to express their appreciation for this thoughtful book and it's ideas for volunteering with their family.I wish this author great success in promoting this idea not only in the USA but around the world. Jay