Volunteer Programs

Volunteer programs can take many forms. One of the most common is classroom volunteers to assist teachers with the instruction of the students. One ready source of volunteers is the parents from the building parent-teacher organization. Often the parents can act as tutors, serve in “cutters club” and perform other valuable duties in the classroom. Other sources of volunteer program in the schools must abide by the school district service clubs. Any volunteer program in the schools must abide by the school district session, with special emphasis on expectations and duties. These volunteers should be placed only with teachers who have requested assistance in their classrooms. Placements at an individual building can be managed by a volunteer coordinator, most often a volunteer themselves. And finally, it’s important to recognize the value of the volunteers with a year-end recognition function. Letting volunteers know how they contribute to the students’ well being will help ensure an ample supply of volunteers.

Another service the local community educational model can perform is the compilation of a volunteer database for the community. This databank could include the contacts for various community service organizations and what type of service the group emphasizes. A handbook should be published and distributed to local schools, libraries, retail centers and commercial service outlets to let the community know about the local resources available. To remain viable, the databank should be updated at least annually.

A resource about volunteerism here in Iowa is Volunteer Iowa.