Why You Should Volunteer At Your Local School
Author: Deanna Mascle
I started volunteering at my son's school when he was in
preschool because the school's director required all parents to
do volunteer duty. At first I rather resented the burden
especially when it meant giving up my lunch hour to supervise
the school lunch room and recess. Now that my son attends public
school I willingly give up four hours a week to help his
teacher. What has changed my mind about being a school
volunteer? There are three key reasons that I changed my mind
about being a school volunteer and whether or not you are a
parent these reasons should apply to you as well.
Unless you live in a cave or under a rock you are well aware of
that problems that our society is facing today. Today's children
are in desperate need of mentors and role models to help them
navigate the challenges life will throw in their path. Due to
the high prevalence of broken homes in American society it is
also important that children receive at least a portion of their
affection and positive reinforcement outside the home. If you
care at all about the future of our country, our society, and
our world then you should care very much about providing this
essential function in some children's lives. Equally important,
many children are simply not getting the support necessary for
their academics from home. Public school teachers do the best
they can but a volunteer can provide invaluable assistance with
a little one-on-one work that teachers simply cannot offer. Many
children need help with basics of literacy and/or math and
having some special help might make all the difference in their
future.
If you want your community to be a good place to live both now
and in the future then you must do everything you can to make
the schools strong and successful. Education is key to the
future for these children but their future success and happiness
will have a direct impact on the overall success of your
community. One person cannot change the world but you can change
your little corner of the world through some volunteer work at
your local school. It is easy to think that there are people
paid to teach our children and so there is no need for school
volunteers but the simple truth is that there are so many
demands on today's public school teachers that volunteers are
essential to school success.
You will find volunteering to be one of the most rewarding
experiences of your life. Not only can you see a difference as a
result of your efforts, but you will receive a tremendous
emotional benefit in terms of affection from the students. I
collect hugs from a number of students every time I visit the
class and all the warm smiles and affectionate greetings I
receive just warm my heart. That along makes my time worth while
but it is very rewarding to see the children I work with learn
and blossom. Some students just need a little extra confidence
while others need a little extra attention, but I am just as
excited about their success as they are. Chances are there was
some special adult who made a big difference to your childhood.
Isn't it time you repaid that debt and did the same for a child?
If you have never considered volunteering in your local school
then you should because it can make a huge difference in the
lives of the children, it can be very beneficial to your
community, and it can be good for you as well. Just a few hours
a month can make a big difference in the lives of others as well
as your own.
About The Author: Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle writes about
family and other topics at http://renaissancewomanonline
