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10 Ideas for Volunteering in Schools

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Yesterday’s post talked about the importance of bringing volunteering into the classroom, and how service learning can help to show students the importance of service.

It’s important for parents and other adults to get involved in schools by volunteering. Here are ten ways that you can get more involved in schools:

  • Join the club. The PTA, home and school club, or school site council are ways for parents to get involved in schools. Being a part of any of these groups will also help to connect you with other parents and community members.
  • Attend school board meetings. Attending school board meetings gives you an opportunity to know what direction stendts’ education is taking.
  • Give a boost to a school club. In the era of disappearing recess and music and arts programs, schools may need help providing these kinds of classes. If your child is involved with any clubs or activities at school, call the person in charge of the group and see if you can help with transportation, supplies, or planning.
  • Get technical. If you have strong computer skills, such as Web site creation or network administration, see if your school needs help setting up a computer system or maintaining or upgrading the equipment they already have.
  • Share your time and talents. Teachers often need parent volunteers to help with small-group activities, reading to children, or correcting papers. Are you a fabulous chef or a craft whiz? Volunteer to give students a classroom demonstration of how to make tasty snack or a special holiday gift.
  • Organize a workplace tour. Do you work for a company that would be an interesting place for a field trip? Suggest a class visit to your office. Make sure that the tour is age appropriate, and that the students will be safe during their visit.
  • Start a cleanup crew. Are crushed soda cans and scrap paper taking over the school grounds? Why not plan a school cleanup day? Include parents, students, teachers, and any community members who want to help. Participants will feel a sense of ownership and will be less likely to ignore litter in the future.
  • Nurture your green thumb. Have you noticed that the school grounds could use some work? Talk to the principal or PTA about gathering a group of parents to plant trees or flowers in a few spots around the school. Maybe even plan a garden that can help to supply fresh fruits and veggies for students!
  • Be in the driver’s seat. Teachers often need parents to drive or chaperon on school field trips. Plus, you get to go on a field trip!
  • Volunteer at the school library. A lot of schools are short on funds and look to parents to help keep the library open for students. Offer to check out or shelve books, assist students, or donate money to buy books for the library.
Of course, these aren’t the only ways to volunteer in a school. Maybe you have a skill that you can share with the school and the students. Maybe you can help in a music class, or coach a sports team after classes, or be a mentor for a student.
Try getting in touch with the school’s principal and sharing your ideas for how you can volunteer.
Do you volunteer in a school? Tell us about it in the comments!
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The Importance of Meaningful Service Learning

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Today’s post comes from Davida Gatlin, Manager, Training and Technical Assistance for generationOn.

As a lifelong volunteer, now working in the volunteer management field, I must admit was shocked when a close friend told me, “I’m not that excited about volunteering.”

“Not excited? I just don’t understand.” I sputtered. What’s not to like, right? For those of us who serve regularly, it seems like second nature. Service gives you an opportunity to be part of a solution, to make a difference in the world, to use your talents, to exercise your skills and to build new ones.

“What’s not to like?” I asked.

“I don’t know. I guess I just wasn’t raised to be a volunteer”, my friend said. “It’s not something that I’m used to doing.”

This begs the question: Are raising a nation of volunteers? According to the most recent Volunteering in America report from the Corporation for National and Community Service, 4.4 million teenagers (age 16-19) dedicated 377 million hours of service in 2010. Impressive as these numbers are, 4.4 million teenagers only represent 26.1 of the total population of that age group. Far less information is available about the number of youth younger than 16 engaged in service.

So how do we reach more youth? And where do we reach them? Again, according to the Volunteering in America report, educational institutions are among the most popular organizations through which teenagers volunteer. Including service-learning, the intentional use of service to support academic as well as socio-emotional goals for students, in schools provides students space in which to engage in service activities as well as opportunities to for youth to learn to exercise their voice and choice.

5 reasons to include service learning in school curriculum

Participation in service-learning…

  1. promotes positive thinking about self and community
  2. encourages greater civic engagement
  3. supports positive cross-cultural and intergenerational experiences
  4. encourages positive behaviors
  5. can create a lifelong connection and commitment to service and volunteerism

And 5 ways to ensure that service learning in schools is meaningful

  1. Give students time for reflection, both pre- and post-service. Encourage students to ask questions, to make connections and to assess how they feel about the service experience and why.
  2. Intentionally connect service experiences to curricular goals and objectives. Consider the background knowledge and skills students need to carry out a service project.
  3. Engage in service activities that meet real community needs. The experience will be much richer and fulfilling if students see the positive effects of their actions.
  4. Give students the opportunity to lead. Youth can take an active role in every stage of the service-learning process from investigating a community need to project evaluation.
  5. Acknowledge the efforts of all participants. Help students find a forum through which they can showcase the results of their efforts.

Want to know more about service-learning? Visit generationOn, the youth division of Points of Light Institute, for more information. You can also sign up for generationOn’s upcoming educator webinar, Effective Planning for Service-Learning: Spotlight on Preparation, on October 5, 2011 at 3:30-4:30pm EDT.

You can also infuse service in your school culture as a generationOn School. Whether you are a teacher trying out service-learning for the first time in your classroom or a seasoned administrator working to sustain a school-wide culture of service-learning, you can join the generationOn Schools movement!

 

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Tips for Building School and Nonprofit Partnerships

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

Service learning is a great tool to get students more involved in their communities and great way to teach lessons in a way that is meaningful. It allows students to put their lessons into practice and see the results of their efforts.

Before you start planning service-learning projects, though, it’s a good idea to build partnerships with some local nonprofits.

Building a partnership allows students an opportunity to return to the same nonprofits and see the impact of their work. Partnerships also let teachers build better projects with the help of the nonprofit, and nonprofits get to share their issue areas with students.

Before building partnerships, though, there are some questions that schools and nonprofits should find out the answers to.

What should nonprofits ask schools or teachers?

  • What experiences have you had in community service or volunteering? What impact have those experiences had on you?
  • Why are you interested in a partnership?
  • What do you think is the most important reason for involving youth in service learning?
  • How could service learning help you to address major challenges you face in educating students?
  • If you could make one dream come true through service learning, what would it be?
  • What is the one thing you hope your students would learn about our community and society?

What should schools or teachers ask nonprofits?

  • What have been your organization’s experiences in working with schools?
  • What have been your experiences working with children and teens in your agency?
  • Why are you interested in a partnership?
  • What do you think is the most important reason for involving youth in service learning through your organization?
  • What are the major challenges you face in providing service to our community?
  • If you could make one dream come true for those served through your agency, what would it be?
  • What is the one thing you most hope service learning will accomplish in our community and society?
Finding out the answers to these questions can help to build a strong, mutually beneficial relationship between schools and nonprofits that can help to support service learning programs.
Have you built partnerships with nonprofits or schools? Let us know in the comments what you think is important to know when you’re starting a new partnership!

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8 Tips for Making Service Learning Work

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Several factors make a big difference in whether an agency’s efforts in service learning are effective.

Agency-wide commitment

An organization’s commitment to service learning often starts with on person advocating for including service learning in the organization and bringing others to share their perspective. once a commitment to service learning permeates the organization, it will become much simpler to sustain a quality program because everyone in the organization is committed to service learning.

Youth serve and lead

Effective service learning efforts see students as key members of the planning team, not just participants. Giving students opportunities to assess needs, develop plans, and implement projects contributes to their growth.

Strong school partnerships

Agencies can operate effective student community service program on their own, but service learning has the most impact when it involves a partnership with a school so that students can take full advantage of the elarning that is stimulated through the service experience.

Clear learning and service goals

Not every service opportunity will appeal to everyone. Students will need to do their share of the work that doesn’t seem as exciting as the actual service, like finding a project site, identifying community needs, and planning what the project will look like.

By working with other students, teachers, community members and other partners to set learning goals and how those goals will be achieved can make the service more meaningful and productive.

Age-appropriate, meaningfl service

Just as you would match anyone’s skills and strengths with a particular service area, the same is essential in working with students. Projects or assignments need to take into account the students’ abilities so they can be stimulated, challenged, interested, and engaged by the service experience.

Effective program management

Service learning is most effective when it builds on a well-managed volunteer program with established procedures. In these cases the basic processes and procedures are already in place and can be adapted to the particular needs of students and service learning.

Sustained involvement

One shot service projects can build enthusiasm and interest, they’re harder to build a quality service learning experience around. To be most effective in providing long-term involvement, schools, students and agencies need to work together to plan how the service-learning program will grow.

Reflection

Reflection is an essential component of service learning. It completes the learning cycle, giving students the opportunity to think about what they did, what it means, and what they will do because of their experience.

this not only benefits the students, but it also strengthens the service they provide. As the students become more knowledgeable and sensitive about the issues, more skilled in the activities, and more aware of an organization’s needs and challenges, they can become better at planning their service projects.

 

Have you involved your students in planning service learning projects? Do you work with an agency that has a lot of service learning students volunteer? Let us know what you’ve found works best for planning service learning projects in the comments!

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18 Benefits of Service Learning

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

When done well, service learning has the potential to benefit everyone involved.

While involving children and teenagers in service learning requires a significant commitment and may require redesigning some elements of your volunteer program, many agencies find that the rewards more than make up for the extra work. Agencies have seen many benefits when they include youth service learning in their volunteer programs:

  • Agencies gain new partners in their efforts to fulfill their mission
  • Young people bring a sense of vitality and excitement to the organization
  • The agency gains positive visibility and exposure in the community and the school
  • Service learning can open up new opportunities for funding and other resources
  • By involving young people in an agency’s work, service learning helps to nurture the next generation of committed volunteers

Just as anyone who provides service gains from the experience, students benefit particularly when their needs for learning are taken into account in the planning and implementation of a project. There are a lot of benefits for students who take an active role in planning and executing their own service projects when they’re tied to a lesson plan:

  • Service learning can enhance personal development in areas such as self esteem, moral reasoning, social skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities and concern for others and society
  • Involvement in service learning makes the subject matter in school real and relevant for students as they try out their knowledge and skills
  • When young people serve others, they can see that they are valued and can make a real difference
  • As young people discover their own abilities to address issues, they are empowered to become active citizens and communities begin to see them in a different light
  • Young people learn leadership skills as they take responsibility for designing and implementing service experiences

There is virtually no limit to what young people can do, no social need they cannot help meet. Through service-learning programs, communities gain many things:

  • Unmet needs are addressed and problems solved
  • Creative ideas and solutions are offered for perplexing problems.
  • New energy and commitment emerge for the community and the common good.
  • Communities see students as valuable resources

As schools search for more effective educational strategies, many are turning to service learning as a powerful method for revitalizing education and improving student achievement. When students participate in service learning, schools benefit:

  • Students are more engaged in their education and their community
  • Students learn more readily because they are learning by doing
  • Community members become partners with schools in educating students
  • Schools are seen as resources to the community, helping t build support for the schools

 

Have you planned service-learning projects with your students? Has your organization benefited from students’ service-learning projects? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

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5 More Tips for Volunteering in Schools

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Yesterday we offered some tips for volunteering with schools. Today, we offer up some more tips for getting volunteer projects off of the ground. Have you ever planned a volunteer project in a school? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

Use Community Resources

Schools are often short of resources. If you are running a sports program, arts club, or any other project that requires materials, you will probably need to solicit donations. Local businesses and restaurants may be willing to contribute. Community centers may have supplies or meeting space to share. Large projects can have fundraisers and donation drives to support their needs. The Volunteer Spot blog has some great ideas for fundraising.

Follow Through on Commitment

Once you start a project, teachers, staff, parents, and students will become dependent on your work. It is important to carry through with your promises and commitment. Never bite off more than you can chew and be honest about your time commitment and availability. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, remain open and honest with those you are working with and work together to seek a solution.

Evaluate Outcomes and Measure Success

As a volunteer, it is beneficial to evaluate your work and consider areas for improvement. Speak to teachers and school administrators beforehand to discuss appropriate benchmarks. There may be tangible measures of success such as improved grades (although some school policies don’t allow grades to be shared), test scores, knowledge level, or attitudes toward learning.

Or you could simply observe that you engaged a group of students, completed a large product, brought children safely to and from school, or filed a large stack of papers.

Recognize All Involved

Throughout your involvement as a school volunteer, make sure to show appreciate to all those involved. This might include fellow volunteers, teachers, staff, or students. Below are tips:

  • Deliver recognition in a personal and honest manner. There’s no need to be disingenuous or to exaggerate someone’s contribution.
  • Tailor your recognition and reward to the unique needs of the people involved. Have a variety of recognition and reward options available.
  • Recognize contributions throughout the project – timing is crucial! Time delays weaken the impact.
  • Have a clear message. Be sure that students and volunteers understand the criteria used to determine awards.
  • Students can also be recognized through special certificates or small rewards such as erasers, pencils, journals, or rulers. (Note: toys and candy often become a distraction in the classroom.

The best way to recognize students and volunteers is to treat them with respect and give them support and praise throughout the project.

It’s vitally important to say thank you during the project and once the project is complete. Check out Eight Tips for Writing the Perfect Thank You Note

Reflect, Evaluate, and Move Forward

Reflection is strongly encouraged after every service experience. Reflecting as a group, with all the participating students and volunteers, can create a stronger sense of accomplishment and connection. This group conversation can often deepen student’s and volunteers’ understanding of the social issue your project addresses and increase their commitment to service and learning.

Here are some sample reflection questions to help facilitate a reflective discussion about the service project:

  • What? What issue(s) was being addressed? What did you notice happening around you during the project? What were the results/outcomes of the project?
  • So what? What did you think about during the project activity? How has it affected you?
  • Now what? What are the larger issues that caused the need for you to participate in this service activity? How did your efforts help? What else needs to be done to improve these problems? How will you apply what you learned in the future?

In addition to reflection, it is important to evaluate the project. This means reviewing the effectiveness of the project components: the planning, coordination, delivery, implementation, logistics and management.

At the end of a project, solicit feedback from students, volunteers, parents, and teachers. Feedback is a gift – use it as an opportunity to reflect on the overall management and implementation of the project. You can provide a feedback form (this is probably best if you are leading volunteers or students), or have less-formal conversations.

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5 Tips for Volunteering in Schools

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Are you looking to volunteer at your local school, but don’t know where to get started? You can follow these steps to find a volunteer role that suits you. Use them to determine how to make an impact, measure your success, and continue to grow and learn.

Conduct an  Internal Assessment: What and How Can You Contribute?

Before approaching a school with your intentions to volunteer, assess yourself to see how you could put your skills, interests, and time to best use.

  • How much time (in hours) are you able to volunteer?
  • What time of the day are you able to volunteer?
  • What interests you the most?
  • What kind of work would you like to do?

Conduct School Assessment: Identify Issues and Needs

After doing an internal assessment, conduct an assessment of the school. Are there already pre-determined opportunities for volunteers to help? If not, where does the school need support? How might a volunteer serve these students?

  • Brainstorm Gather parents, community members, teachers, and/or staff to discuss school issues/ needs, and brainstorm possible solutions. Potentially, this could take place at a PTA or community meeting.
  • School Dreams Approach community members and parents and ask them to share their dreams for the school. What could a volunteer do to help make these dreams a reality?
  • School Visit Schedule a visit to the school and look for situations, in or out of the classroom, where a volunteer might help. What specific needs did you find? How could they be addressed?
  • Ask a Principal Hold a meeting with the school principal and ask in what ways you can volunteer. You may want to send an email introducing yourself, your background and how you would like to help. Be sure to share your interests and skills, but also your flexibility. Do not approach a principal without having an appointment.
  • Ask a Student Meet with a single student or a small group of students and ask about their dreams for the school. Ask what assignment they would give to a volunteer. Holding a discussion with a student can help spark ideas.

Outline a Volunteer Plan

After establishing the needs of the school, create a volunteer plan. Work with a classroom teacher, school principal, staff member, or club/sports leader to create your plan. Your plan should outline the expectations, time commitment, and knowledge needed for each volunteer position.

Outline Goals

After creating a volunteer plan, think of goals you want to reach through your work. A classroom teacher, school principal, staff member, or club/sports leader that you are working with can help establish these goals (he/she may already have goals in mind). What need are you addressing? What does a successful end result look like? When will your work be finished? What do you hope to achieve, both personally and for others?

Share Your Plan and Goals

Share your plan and goals with parents/guardians, friends, adults, and community members. By sharing these details, you may learn of specific tricks, tips, or further ideas on how to make an impact. You may also come across ways that others contribute. In sharing your plan, you may get other parents or guardians to volunteer with you!

 

Have you volunteered in a school? Was there a program in place or did you work with someone to build one? Let us know in the comments!

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The Role of Mentors in Schools

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

In yesterday’s post, we looked at some common questions about volunteering in schools. One of the questions was, “Is mentoring right for me?” Today, we look at the positive role mentors can play in a student’s life.

Mentoring is an extraordinary commitment that can yield extraordinary results. Working with a single student or a small group, a mentor acts as a guide to the larger world outside of school and home, serves as a role model, helps students make positive life choices, listens to concerns, supports interests, and opens children’s eyes to new possibilities. Mentors dedicate time to helping students academically, socially, mentally, and physically, as necessary. Their roles include:

  • A long-term commitment to the program.
  • Helping students develop personal interests outside of school.
  • Helping students become involved in all aspects of school.
  • Being sincere, committed, and punctual for scheduled meetings.
  • Developing a level of trust with the student. A trusting relationship is the foundation for successful work.
  • Being a positive role model.
  • Listening effectively. Sometimes, the mentor is the only person that the student has identified as one who will listen to his/her concerns and problems.
  • Helping the mentee set short and long-term goals.

Help students to help themselves

There is a big difference between offering solutions and helping a student discover his/her own options. Helping students develop problem-solving and decision-making skills will put them on the road toward independence, and the realization that they can direct the course of their lives.

Help students with their problems

A mentor is there to assist with problems such as issues with: self-confidence, interpersonal conflicts, school attendance, or goal setting.

This doesn’t mean that the volunteer plays the role of counselor, social worker, or parent. Volunteers are there to offer support, encouragement, and to give positive reinforcement. By listening and asking open-ended questions, a mentor can gently guide the student toward finding his/her own solution. As with all volunteers, a mentor must consult a teacher, administrator, or school counselor if it seems that a student needs additional help.

Help students build self-confidence

Students may feel enormous pressure from home, school, or peer relations, and lack the self knowledge and confidence necessary to navigate challenging situations. By showing care for and belief in a student, a mentor can encourage a student to raise his/her expectations and make positive decisions.

Statements such as these can help build self-esteem:

  • I like how you handled that!
  • I see that you are making a real effort or trying very hard.
  • I know you can do this!
  • What are your thoughts or ideas about this?

Help students develop interpersonal skills

Even students who communicate well with peers may not know how to interact appropriately with adults. Mentors should model appropriate communication and behavioral skills. A volunteer can teach little things such as looking someone in the eyes when speaking to them, speaking clearly, practicing good manners, and addressing adults politely. Remember, students will learn by watching and interacting positively with role models.

 

Are you a mentor? Let us know about your experience in the comments!

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9 Questions About Volunteering in Schools

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Establishing a role inside the busy beehive of a school can confound even the best-intentioned volunteer. Where do you begin? How can I put my skills to use? The answers to these common questions will get you started.
How can I help?
Whatever your talents and interests, there is a way for you to help. Could you see yourself starting a book club, assisting with science activities, helping in the computer lab, or tackling some paperwork in the office, for example?

Be prepared to be flexible, however: When you make contact with a school, you will learn how to match your preferences with their needs.
Who do I approach with my intent to volunteer?

You might start by attending a school board meeting, joining a community organization that works with schools, or approaching a principal or teacher directly. Some schools have volunteer positions listed with HandsOn Action Centers. You can find a HandsOn Action Center near you here.
Would mentoring be a good role for me?

Mentors are a special type of volunteer, dedicated to helping students on many levels: academically, socially, mentally, and physically. Mentors commit to becoming a consistent presence in a person’s life, and serving as a positive role model. There are a lot of different ways to be a mentor, and finding your own personal style may take a bit of time.
What if I am a busy person?

Even if you work long or irregular hours, or have young children at home, you can still find a way to volunteer. Think about what is possible for you: Could you commit to being at a school at certain times, work occasional week days or weekends, or find a way to make an impact from home? Then see whether your school of choice has a job that would meet your needs.

What is tag team volunteering?

Busy volunteers can get together and “tag team” by splitting one job into two (or more). Setting up a schedule ensures that one volunteer is always on duty when needed.

I don’t know how to teach, can I still volunteer?

Short answer: Yes! You can still be helpful by assisting teachers, or helping with sports or other activities. Or, if you prefer, you can support the school without working directly with children. Share your experience, and any concerns you might have, with the person coordinating your volunteer job. Schools want to place you were you feel the most comfortable and will make the greatest impact.

What are potential barriers?

If you have spent any time in schools, you know they are busy places! Teachers and staff may need a helping hand, but not have time to stop and think about ways volunteers can support their work. You can lighten their load by first creating a list of your strengths and skills, then coming up with a few volunteer roles that would draw on these strengths.

What if students misbehave?

Always consult with the teacher or administrator if you are working with a student who might not listen or follow directions in a way that you would like. You will need to redirect negative behaviors to keep the students on task. Ask a teacher, administrator, or the school’s volunteer coordinator about

How do I become a successful volunteer?

There is not one “correct” way to become a volunteer. There are many points of entry and multiple ways to serve. You will find a path that suits you as well as your school of choice.

Do you have more questions about in-school volunteering? Let us know in the comments!

 

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Benefits of School Volunteering

Monday, July 25th, 2011

A quality volunteer experience provides positive benefits for all parties: the students, the school, and the volunteer. Before you start planning your volunteer role, take a closer look at some benefits of volunteering.

Benefits for Students

Students benefit from volunteers in many ways. Volunteers can serve as an important adult connection for students, particularly those who lack a parent or guardian who is active in their education. Students who have adult involvement in their schooling generally have better grades, better attendance, and higher graduation rates. Increased adult involvement also causes students to have more positive attitudes, more motivation, and higher self-esteem.

Volunteers may also help students by serving as a link between a school and a community. Students do better when schools, families, and communities work together, and involvement is strong. Volunteers can also help to promote a positive image of the school within the community.

Benefits for Schools

Committed adults are an invaluable resource to schools. The benefits to schools include:

  • Increased individual attention for students
  • Extra support on projects
  • Stronger ties to the community
  • Higher levels of parent-teacher communication
  • Increased capacity to better serve a wider variety of youth needs
  • Higher test/grade scores
  • Strengthened programs
  • Improved student behavior

Benefits for Volunteers

Volunteers can gain from their experience in various ways. Whether they are parents or other community volunteers, most people benefit from building closer relationships with children and administration at their local school. Here are other potential rewards for volunteering:

  • Opportunity to meet new people
  • Improved communication, management, and interpersonal skills
  • Improved problem-solving skills
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Clearer understanding of school structure and curriculum
  • Valuable job experience
  • Opportunity to serve as a role model for students
  • The chance to inspire, educate, and motivate future generations

Parents who are active in their school reap benefits at home. Parent/guardian volunteers form tighter bonds with their children and often find themselves having better communication at home. In addition, parent/guardian volunteers aid their child’s transition of culture at home to culture at school. By assisting in this transition, parents learn the structure and expectations of schools.

Do you volunteer at a school? What benefits do you see from what you do? Let us know in the comments!

 

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