I’ve wanted to find a volunteer opportunity that would work with my schedule for quite some time. It’s a bit tricky for me because I’m a stay-at-home mom and I can only work out so many babysitting trades with my friends to cover the interviews for my writing gig. While there may be lots of volunteer opps out there, I needed one that didn’t require a babysitter between 8 am and 6 pm.
When a friend from a local mom’s group invited me to hear more about an idea she and her husband put together for a local play place, I was intrigued. They invited parents from different areas in the community to participate and give their two cents. What began as potentially a co-op indoor play place has now become a goal to create a children’s museum for pre-k that will someday have a science center element for older kids. I love hands-on children’s museums, as do my kids, so I am very excited about what this will mean for our community.
I’m also excited because I have volunteered to be a part of the volunteer board. We have a lot of work ahead of us to become a not-for-profit, find a location, raise funds, etc. But I’m looking forward to it. Since the group consists mainly of other parents, children are welcome as well. This seems like such a unique opportunity to contribute to my community and add value to it.
We’re all pretty new at this, though, with a few more seasoned individuals on board. Do you have any experience with grassroots volunteerism like this? Have you ever started a non-profit or a been a part of an ambitious community project? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tips you might have!
This is WONDERFUL, Mindy!! I love hands on stuff like this too and it sounds like the perfect opportunity.
Personally, I’ve never started a non-profit myself, but I am part of an organization now that is only in it’s 3rd year, so they just went through all the motions of achieving the tax exempt status etc, fairly recently. From what I’ve heard, the biggest headaches have been associated with the IRS. If you think of anything specifically that you might like to know, please feel free to email me and ask and I can pass the question along to someone that will know the answer!
I wish I could be of some help, but I’m clueless. You are so inspiring! I love what you all are doing and can’t wait to hear more about it as you go along!
I love this idea. I have been President of a 501C3 for the past 4years and it has been such a joy. Your adventure sounds fabulous!
I wanted to post this link of a similar play place in Ohio. I have been there, met the owners and they are wonderful. I wouldn’t be surprised if they would assist you.
http://www.aha4kids.org
Good Luck!
Wish I could help!! I need to get more involved in volunteering myself! My kids would absolutely LOVE it! What a great way to set the example! Very nice to meet you and thank you for your comment on Erin’s blog! I look forward to following your blog and you!! Love new bloggers and your site is wonderful!
Wow! This sounds wonderful. I think it is great that your a part of this and you’ll have to keep us posted. A place for pre-k kids to explore sounds amazing.