Special Awareness Days
December 5th - International Volunteer Day
Introduction
In 1985, the United Nations designated December 5th as International Volunteer Day. Designed to support and promote the act of volunteering time, skills, and support to others, this day inspires everyone to make a contribution.
Volunteers are found everywhere and they do many things to make our world a better place. It is important to remember the people in your homes, schools, and neighbourhoods who have given their time and expertise to help others.
International Volunteer Day is a time to reflect on the ways people have contributed their time and expertise to help others, and to recognize that by working together, we can do so much more.
Activity bursts
Grades K-2 - Language, Citizenship
Discuss what the word volunteer means. Ask students to use feeling words to describe how they feel when someone does something nice for them without being asked. Explain that it is important to let people know that you appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness by saying thank you or by doing something nice for them in return.
Ask the class whether they know any people who do volunteer work in their neighbourhood. Who are they and what do they do? Examples might include volunteer firefighters, local service clubs, the school PTA, sports coaches, etc.
Have students share some things they can do to help others: help tie younger children’s shoes, help someone to read or understand something, show a new student around the school, be a “bathroom buddy,” etc.
Have students let you know when they have volunteered to help someone. Compile a list and post it in the classroom.
Grades 3-5 - Citizenship
Review the meaning of volunteering. Ask the students what they have done to volunteer in the past. Discuss how volunteering makes everyone feel good, as it is a way to help someone in need without being asked.
Ask the class whether they know any people who do volunteer work in their neighbourhood. Who are they and what do they do? Examples might include volunteer firefighters, local service clubs, the school PTA, sports coaches, etc.
Brainstorm safe ways that the class can volunteer in the school. Here are a few ideas:
- Put the chairs up on the desks or tables before leaving so the floors can be cleaned at night
- Offer to take the trashcans to the garbage bin for the building superintendent.
- Plant, weed, hoe, rake or clean up the schoolyard.
- Be a good friend for someone who may be feeling sad, angry, frustrated or alone.
Remember, sometimes the smallest gestures can mean a lot to someone else!
Grades 6-8 - Citizenship
Ask students to identify people who do volunteer work in their neighbourhood, such as volunteer fire-fighters, local service clubs, the school PTA, sports coaches, etc.
Students at this age have a better sense of what volunteering means. They may belong to a 4H Club, a group at their place of worship, a Girl Guide or Scouting organization, or some other community group. Discuss examples of what they have already experienced in terms of volunteering. Have they helped a neighbour by raking their lawn or carrying in groceries? Have they done volunteer work at a community centre or local charity? How have these actions made them feel? Did they observe how their actions made others feel? Discuss.
Suggest that this might be a great time to work together to assist a local food bank.
Consider inviting your class to bring in one canned or dry good to contribute to the local food bank. Spread the word and make it a whole school effort!
Process the experience by asking the students how they feel about what they have done. Brainstorm additional ways to reach out and volunteer in the community.
Remember: “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” ~Author Unknown
