Your annual reminder that buying toys and gifts on a registry is great if that’s all you can do (through a church, @ToysForTots_USA etc.) but spending time with kids (and adults) in need is life-altering and desperately needed.

Where can you start? (Leave yours in the replies)

So first up, a disclaimer:

A LOT of working with kids is preventing abuse and exploitation—because, sadly, vulnerable kids present a great opportunity for predators.

So I’m only listing orgs I know have necessary oversight and are designed to keep *everyone* safe...

We need more men to step up as mentors—but I think many avoid the stigma and risk.

Example: a youth accused a mentor of abuse which turned out to be false—but because the org was well-designed, *he* didn’t have to prove his innocence: it was easily verified by staff.

... and the youth was given care that determined they were abused by someone else (it was awful).

So, when you volunteer, *ASK* what protective measures and accountability processes are in place and follow them to the letter. No gray area.

ANYWAY on to the groups I love.

First up is most obvious @BBBSA: is the biggest mentoring network in the US—and their staff helps “Bigs” know what to do at every step. It just takes a few hours a month, and (as is the theme of this thread) your TIME is more valuable than $

Read to kids with @reachoutandread! You know reading aloud to children has a fundamental impact on their lifelong learning. ROAR incorporates their program into pediatric care (and it’s also v fun)

Become a literacy volunteer with @ProLiteracy - an empowering program that connects volunteers with opportunities to give adults vital literacy skills (with reading, maths, computers, and more)

Volunteer with @ColumbiaLight to be matched with a blind or visually impaired adult—not just to read aloud—you’ll be able to to help with errands, paperwork, etc.

Okay okay—I know a lot of these have been about reading but that’s because it is so vital

Volunteer with @ReadingPartners to help DC kids increase their reading skills—and lifelong learning potential.

Are the outdoors more your speed? Join the @CityKidsWP Campfire Circle — giving kids access to nature, teaching them about conservation and stewardship, and giving them confidence that they belong in our national parks

Hooo I’m 10 deep and I haven’t even gotten to foster and legal advocacy opportunities yet - but I’m going to add to this as the day goes on - time for coffee