Since becoming a parent, my list of New Year's resolutions has changed completely. Before, it was likely to be an actual list written in colorful gel ink in a notebook full of other lists, favorite quotes, and half-written letters. It would include just a few ambitious resolutions, like "Quit smoking" or "Contact congress members at least once a month" or "Every day: sit-ups, pray, floss teeth."

Now my 'list' just tends to float through my head as I'm falling asleep at night. It's longer, less specific, and I can never recall the whole thing at once. Items on the list tend to take the form: "be more ___" or "start doing ___" and generally have to do with being a good role model.

This year, high on my list is "Be more involved in the community." Challenging, with a baby on the way, but more important than ever with my toddler rapidly forming her impressions of how the world works. I want her - soon them - to see a world where helping people and taking care of places are normal activities.

But I'm a realist...for a parent to get community service off of a 'to do' list and into the family's routine, we need opportunities that are simple, accessible, and fun. While compiling my own list of ways to get more involved with youngsters in tow, I've discovered that our neighborhood is rich in possibilities. According to Theresa McEwen, the north end volunteer coordinator for Seattle Parks and Recreation, there are over 120 "Friends of" groups in north Seattle, for example. These groups are usually associated with a park or natural area and organize volunteers to care for and improve these places.

The city parks department website is a great resource for this kind of volunteer opportunity. I was amazed at the variety of events listed, even in December, many of which would be feasible and fun with kids. Trail work at Golden Gardens, passing out cider at the Matthews Beach Christmas ship gathering, a bird-watching and invasive plant removal walk at Llandover Woods (north of Carkeek Park), and "sprucing up" Bergen Place Park right in downtown Ballard were among the many events listed at www.seattle.gov/parks/volunteers/north.htm.

The first Saturday of December, Aya and I took part in the Greenwood Aurora Involved Neighbors (GAIN) monthly neighborhood clean-up day. It was great - about 50 people participated, including kids of all ages. The Greenwood drill team even pitched in, boisterous in blue and silver face paint. With snacks and a litter grabber (both provided), my toddler was happy right up to nap time. We missed the Friends of Greenwood Park work party on the third Saturday, but I'm adding that to our monthly activity list as well.

What proves a little more challenging is to find community service opportunities that don't involve braving the elements this time of year. I've heard of food banks that find ways to utilize young volunteers - health department regulations restrict their involvement somewhat, but bagging up pet foods or non-food supplies can be an option. The Ballard food bank told me that they often give tours for preschool-aged groups, which could be a start for the little ones. Soup kitchens are another indoor service option to consider, and they tend to be especially active the cold-weather months. The Phinney Neighborhood Association runs volunteer-staffed lunch and dinner programs that serve 200-300 people several days a week. Michael Gregory, the PNA soup kitchen coordinator, welcomes volunteers of all ages, including children with parents. He recommends coming early to help with set up, which is a little less hectic than service time and there's usually something the kids can help out with. Check www.phinneycenter.org for specific days and locations.

While we parents of infants and toddlers will probably have to wait a few years for most of these organized service opportunities to be a good fit, there are still ways to raise our children's awareness of helping and caretaking. Bring them along when dropping off donations at charities. Carry two plastic bags and a glove on a walk or a trip to the park; pick up some litter and sort out the recyclables. Point out when you see others - adults and kids - volunteering or just doing something out of the goodness of their hearts.

May the coming year be all you hope and resolve it to be!