Home > Vounteering & Getting Involved > How to Get Started

There are many reasons why each of us gets involved, but the school isn’t the only one to reap the benefits. We as volunteers gain a network of support and friendships. We also gain confidence in our parenting skills and feel more capable of helping our children learn. Our children may benefit the most as they may become more motivated, have a higher self-esteem, and when it comes to their academic achievement, your involvement is more critical than income, education level, or cultural background.

 

So now that you may be interested in volunteering, how do you find the right opportunity? 

 

Think before you sign up. Think carefully about your talents, interests, work style and schedule. That will help you find the right fit and make your volunteer time more productive and satisfying. For example, if you hate to cook, offer to solicit bake-sale donations instead of making something yourself.    If you aren’t able to help with events in the evening but don’t mind making phone calls after your child is in bed, look for a project that you can do at your convenience such as locating items for an auction.

 

Ask questions. When you offer to help out, find out how much of a time commitment you’ll be expected to contribute, and if you’ll be expected to help out on an ongoing basis. Be sure to ask if there are any financial costs associated with your volunteer activities. If you’re chaperoning a field trip, for example, find out if you’ll be required to pay for admission costs. If you’re organizing or helping out with an activity that will take place off the school grounds, be sure to find out if there are any specific school regulations you need to keep in mind or any liability issues you should consider.

 

Don’t wait to be asked. Check early in the year to find out what is needed and volunteer for a job you’d like and can fit into your schedule. Find out if any of your special skills mesh with an ongoing project. If there is not an opportunity for you to use your skills, talk with me and we’ll see if we can create a way for you to share your talents. Your expertise in a sport or coaching might be put to use for an after school activity.

 

Involve your employer. Your employers can be valuable partners for our school, too. Think creatively about what yours might be willing to do. You may be able to get them to donate supplies or equipment for example. Could yours print brochures, give door prizes for a fund-raising event, sponsor a fundraising event or donate towards a scholarship fund for a family who could not otherwise attend our school? Your company may also offer a matching donation program where they match your donation.