So you've decided that volunteering with your children sounds like a neat idea, but where can you go to help? And with all the agencies out there, how do you know which one could most use your hard work? The answer is they all do. Volunteers are needed and appreciated in all areas of your community, so if you're having trouble deciding how to get involved, the best place to look for ideas is your own heart.

Tap into the power of teamwork and call together a family brainstorming session. Discuss the issues that you all feel most passionate about. Encourage everyone in your family (even the youngest ones) to participate. Generate a list of interests and areas in the community that concern your family. Speak honestly and come up with causes you truly believe in, because if your hearts aren't in them, chances are you won't get much out of the volunteering experience.

If your list of ideas seems overwhelming in scope (like ending world poverty or saving the rain forests), try scaling down to a more localized perspective. Maybe you can't get rid of world hunger, but you can sort and repackage donated food for a neighborhood food pantry or homeless shelter. Open your eyes to the community around you, and you'll be surprised at the infinite ways you can bring a smile to a stranger's face.

Define Your Family's Role

Now that you know where you'd like to offer your services, figure out what skills you can bring to the volunteering table. Does your family have any favorite talents? If, for example, your children love to perform, you might try organizing a theatrical show at a nursing home or retirement center. Putting to use skills you already have allows you and your family to jump right into volunteering assignments without specialized training. Conversely, you might ask your family if there are any skills they would like to develop. Say you've always wanted to teach your kids how to cook. Your family might try making sandwiches together for a community soup kitchen or a Meals on Wheels program.

Family hobbies and interests help pinpoint other ways to serve your community. Many families have found making a "Things We Know How to Do" list useful, and proceeding from there. Be sure to include at least one talent for each member of the family. Another good approach is to think of other goals you have for your family to incorporate into your volunteering plan. If, for example, you'd like to sway your video-game-loving kids into getting some exercise, consider an outdoor activity such as cleaning up a favorite neighborhood park or restoring a local landmark.