Today’s society is a constantly changing journey. With Google, texting, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube shaping our children’s opinions and perceptions of reality, they need more. While there are great benefits to each of these services, the time our children spend using digital devices is substantial. With these non-personal interactions replacing many types of verbal communication, we must teach our children the importance of direct face-to-face interaction. A great way to do this is through “hands-on” community service.
One of the best things about volunteer work is that it usually involves dealing with people. And many of those people tend to adopt “old school” communication methods. There are even some volunteers who continue to thrive in life without a cell phone or computer. While technology can be a great asset in coordinating and managing community service programs, it rarely replaces the face-to-face efforts of the volunteers doing the work.
New technology can’t do the job:
Whether it’s Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Literacy Volunteers of America, or any of the thousands of other great national and local causes, verbal communication and socialization are irreplaceable. You cannot text with a drywall hammer. You cannot tweet to deliver a meal to an inmate. You can’t help someone learn to read by liking them on Facebook. And while YouTube is great, you can’t cook a hot meal at a homeless shelter.
A handshake and a smile go a long way:
If you are helping a homeless family select seldom used clothing to keep their children warm in the winter, they probably will not be able to “digitally” try on the coat. It is much more pleasant to meet a real person with a warm smile and a firm handshake that could make you feel like someone really cares about your family.
And when working in a workplace, remodeling a home forces everyone to ask questions, share ideas, and work together to complete the renovations. There are always supervisors walking around, talking openly about everything from the weather to sports or even racing with the young participants. While they may be reluctant to engage in these conversations with their parents, I have personally found that they are very open and honest when sharing their thoughts with another volunteer.
Children need more social interaction:
Talking old-fashioned, helping others, and working in a group cannot be replaced with new technology. Community service will force them to develop, improve, and use these skills more effectively, which can only help them in all aspects of life. From career aspirations and interviews to dating, marriage, and raising a family. Those who possess great communication skills will always be able to handle situations better than those who do not.
Encourage them to use their teenage years to experiment with old and new communication methods. I fear that if we don’t, the next generation will progressively lose their interpersonal skills, or worse, never develop any. I cannot imagine a world where we are completely dependent on digital communication. But that is the direction our children are headed. It is time to change that course and your children can make a difference.
Resume:
Help your community and your children at the same time. Involve them in activities that force them to develop and use interpersonal communications. The society will reward your volunteer efforts and your volunteer efforts will reward your future growth. And another great communicator can only help society as a whole. It is a win-win situation for everyone.
