Do I Have to Volunteer?

We have all asked ourselves this question at some point.

We may all actually would like to volunteer but between juggling our jobs, caring for our children, and household responsibilities, there never seems to be enough time in the day. So when we get approached to volunteer, it can feel like there’s no more time to give. But volunteering isn’t just another thing on the “To Do” list or a “unavoidable requirement”. There are so many important benefits to volunteering at school—both for you and your child. If you’re wondering, “Why should I volunteer?”, here are a few reasons:

1. Volunteering Makes a Difference in your Child’s Education: YES! Children whose parents are involved in their schools do better. Research has shown that children of a school volunteer make better grades and perform better on tests. They’re also better behaved, have better attendance, and are more likely to graduate and continue their education. The more parents participate at school, the more successful their children will be.

2. Volunteering Allows You to Spend More Time with Your Child: Our children spend A LOT of time at school. Becoming a school volunteer gives you the opportunity to share in school-related experiences. It gives you more in common. It also allows you to be a fly on the wall and see your children in a different environment. It’s rewarding to watch them as they put all the skills you’ve taught them into action.

3. Volunteering Helps Create Community: We know it sounds cliché, but raising children takes a village. Volunteering at school is a great way to connect with other parents and create a circle of adult friends. Over time, these friends grow to know and love your children. Never underestimate the power of community in raising children.

4. Volunteering Allows You to Get to Know Teachers and Staff: Your child’s teacher and school staff are your teammates in parenting during the school year. They have a tremendous impact on children, both academically and socially. Having a presence at school is a great way to get to know them better and show them your support.

5. Volunteering Makes Schools Better: Schools that have a strong school volunteer base perform better. There are so many demands placed on schools with limited financial resources. Any volunteer effort can help bridge that gap at no additional cost to the school. Taking things off the plate of teachers, administration, and staff frees them up to do what they do best—educate our children.

6. Volunteering Allows You to Use Your Strengths: Why volunteer with kids? Volunteering is a great way to showcase your strengths. Look for opportunities that are within your wheelhouse. Using the skills that come naturally to you makes things easier (and often more enjoyable)!

7. Volunteering is Good for Your Health: Yes, we are not making this up! Research shows that people who volunteer live longer, have lower stress levels, and are generally healthier. You can’t beat an opportunity that allows you to spend more time with your children AND decreases your stress.

Ready to volunteer?

There are many ways you can get involved! Here, you will find opportunities that will take only a couple of hours at a time, some may take a bit longer, some may require a longer commitment but of one one or two hours each time…Whatever your schedule may be, we are certain there will be something suitable to your schedule and availability. So, let’s get started!

---

The Game Plan!

• Tell  us what your  skills  and  talents  are, what  you  like  and dislike  when it comes to volunteering, what you would LOVE to do and more.
• Are you thinking about a role that involves working directly with the kids? Great! They will  love it and you will love it too! In order to  be ready  to do  this, just  remember  you  will  be  required to complete  the   Safe  Environment  /  VIRTUS  Training   (which  includes passing a Background Check and completing an online or in person training session). So let’s get started with this!
• Review your life and work schedule as well as your family’s minimum required volunteer hours for the school year and plan ahead.
• Don’t have enough available time to complete all required hours?  Then, let’s go to Plan B: recruit a family member! It can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, the list goes on.
• Now, let’s look at the opportunities and roles available!