Volunteering: Every Minute Counts

Thirty years ago every classroom had a room mother, most school fundraisers weren’t as necessary and often moms did not work outside the home. That is not the way it is today.

Parents who volunteer at their child’s school create many positive things. Anne Henderson has studied parents’ effect on their children’s education for over 30 years. She points out in her book A New Generation of Evidence: The Family is Critical to Student Achievement that children have better attendance, do more homework, have higher grades and graduate at a higher rate. They are also less likely to be put in special education, more likely to pursue education beyond high school and often display a more positive attitude and behavior.

Most parent group leaders are well aware of the benefits of volunteering, but schools across America are faced with having too little help. How can a parent group get more parents to help? I offer the following ideas for getting parents more involved in their child’s school.

Face the Fear

Many parents may have a fear of volunteering. Perhaps they fear failure or becoming over-committed. My personal fear used to be that someone else could do the job better. Ultimately I decided that I was better than nobody. Parent groups need to have clear details on what the job entails, how much time is needed and suggestions to make it easier.

Breaking the Barrier

Good communication between the parent group and the parents is key. Parent groups need to get the right message to the right people at the right time. If most parents work days then sending a message asking for help only during the daytime may not be the best. Parents groups should remember to be flexible, this can make all the difference.

Think Outside the Box

Most parent group leaders and volunteers are moms. Parent groups should consider pulling in the “Dad Factor”. Why not hold an event specifically for the Dads to volunteer. A Dad’s Volunteer Day could help the school to paint, plant trees or just plain fix things. Or for a change, a Muffins with Mom event could be held with only dad volunteers helping.

Ask and you Shall Receive

Some parents need to be asked, and want to be asked. Asking “would you help” requires a personal approach. Parents will find it harder to refuse a request if it is face to face.

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