Summer is the perfect time to get kids involved in volunteer work and according to seasoned philanthropy expert Neil Ghosh, giving back to those in need is the single best way to improve the mental and emotional well-being of young people, combat bullying, and build bridges across divided communities.
I had a chance to read the book, which is an inspiring read that features dozens of change-makers from all walks of life. Part memoir, part storytelling, part advice, the book expertly blends anecdotes with lessons on how to make a difference. It's great for anyone involved in non-profits, whether that's as a leader or a volunteer.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
How can families get kids involved in volunteering and philanthropic work?
Getting kids involved in volunteering starts with the values we model at home. One of the most powerful gifts we can give our children is a sense of empathy—and the belief that they can make a difference, no matter their age.
In a recent podcast with former Mayor Paul Johnson, Larry Aldrich and I described American values as rooted in compassion, responsibility, and helping our neighbors. I believe those values aren’t just historical ideals—they’re everyday guideposts.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
Talk about real-life heroes. My book, Do More Good, highlights everyday changemakers—many of them started young or inspired their own children to follow in their footsteps.
Read stories of service together. Let children discover what it means to live a life of purpose.
Let them join the giving conversation. I work with families who include their kids in donor meetings and charity choices—turning giving into a family value, not just an adult decision.
Show that empathy is strength. It’s not soft. It’s strategic. It teaches leadership, courage, and the power of connection.
Teach them to stand against hate. In my article “7 Things Parents Can Do to Teach Kids to Reject Hate”, I offer practical ideas rooted in love, not fear.
Your children are already wired to care. You just need to give them the stage to shine.
What are micro-altruism and hyper-local giving, and why are they important?
Micro-altruism is the small act that makes a big impact. When a child donates their allowance to a food pantry, when a family helps a neighbor shovel snow, or when students raise funds for a classmate in need—that’s micro-altruism in action.
We are all micro-philanthropists. And when giving is close to home—hyper-local—it strengthens the fabric of our community. Whether it’s supporting a local food kitchen to serve food, local sports team, a neighborhood library, a mosque, synagogue, church, or temple—these are the institutions that hold our towns together.
In Do More Good, I described a framework of kindness in action. Teach your kids that doing good doesn’t require a spotlight—it just requires a willing heart.
Why is doing good for others so helpful for mental health?
There’s a beautiful old Chinese saying: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone.”
Modern science agrees. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, volunteering improves mental and physical health, increases life satisfaction, and nurtures relationships. It boosts dopamine levels—the “feel-good” chemical—and helps lower stress.
The more we give, the more grounded we feel. It gives us purpose. It reminds us that even in chaos, we can be a source of calm for someone else. And for children, especially in these turbulent times, learning that doing good helps you feel good is a lifelong lesson in emotional resilience.
If you’re a mom searching for a way to raise kind, grounded, courageous kids—this book is for you. Do More Good is filled with inspiring stories, actionable ideas, and simple steps any family can take to spark change. Start with one story, one act, one conversation—and watch the ripple grow.
Neil Ghosh is a seasoned executive whose expertise spans the nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and private sectors. His book, Do More Good, showcases some of the most captivating individuals in modern history—people he has met and interacted with on his mission to inspire meaningful change. With 30+ years of experience, Neil has successfully launched and scaled both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, building teams, business models, partnerships, and strategies to drive impact and support vulnerable populations in more than 50 countries. Neil’s work has been featured in national outlets including CNN, Devex, the Washington Post, Economic Times, Voice of America, the Australian, the Huffington Post, Patheos, and Stanford Social Innovation Review
CONNECT:
Official Site: www.neilghosh.org and LinkedIn
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