by Cissy Byrne

Created on: March 26, 2008

Are you afraid when you say "yes' you will be pulled down the rabbit hole of volunteering and never come out again? Don't worry, there are many ways to help at school without creating a full-time volunteer job for yourself. Just remember a few key strategies and you too can be a successful school volunteer on your own terms.

1) Know your talents and interests. There are so many areas in the school that need your help so why not volunteer in an area that you enjoy. So you like to read, volunteer in the library. So you like to organize, join the PTO. How about writing a newsletter for your school, or helping with a recycling program.

2) Find out about your school's volunteer programs. Does your school need volunteers for programs such as PTO, Junior Achievement, Student Council, Booster Clubs, etc. There are probably organized areas for volunteering. This is a good area to check into if you want to volunteer on a regular basis and enjoy working with other parents. Steer clear of these areas if you are more comfortable working alone.

3) Talk to your child's teacher. Teachers are so overwhelmed these days that they are in much need of assistance. The lower the grade, the more help the teacher will need. I have worked with teachers who want someone on a regular basis, as well as those that need help with special projects. Whatever your schedule is, most teachers will take any amount of help they can get whenever they can get it.

4) Don't think that volunteering is only during school hours. A lot of volunteer work can be done after school hours and at home. Teachers of younger children always need help cutting construction paper, organizing craft kits, sorting papers, and with other projects that can be taken home to complete. I have spent many nights watching my favorite TV show while cutting shapes out of construction paper or assembling booklets. Don't overlook this valuable help. This is the type of work that the teachers normally take home and do themselves. I know they would appreciate a night off.

Whatever you choose, remember that you are a volunteer, not an employee. You can say no.

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