At our school, I have noticed the same 30 (if you’re lucky) people get involved a lot, and it is very hard to bring new energy into the mix. From the outside, it looks like a well-oiled machine. From the inside — well, that may be a different story. When you’re new to a school, you want to find your place. When you’ve been doing it for a long time, it’s hard to think anyone else will take it over. Some may even worry that someone new will ruin what you’ve worked so hard to keep going. But they do eventually take it over and they make it work. That’s the great thing about elementary school. There’s always going to be a new batch of parents who are eager to help and want to make a difference.
If you’re someone who is a regular volunteer or one of those awesome people who just can’t say no, I want you to repeat after me: Hi, my name is ________ and I can’t stop volunteering! Whew. That was hard. It’s ok. You can admit it. If you are giving your time and you are enjoying it, it’s great to keep doing it; But if you find yourself complaining about it and feeling like no one else could possibly take over, it’s time to step back and really think about WHY you volunteer. If it doesn’t have anything to do with your kids and it is more about you and your self worth, maybe it’s time to find a new place to volunteer. The new people may not do things the way you would do it, but that doesn’t make it wrong. It is important to try to take a step back so that new people don’t feel shut out! As our children get older and get closer to graduation, we have to learn to let go and let others take over.
This is not your job for a lifetime — it’s a temp job (no pay, but extremely rewarding benefits).
So the next time you think you may want to be the room parent for both kids’ classes and run the big fundraiser and want to write a bunch of grants to get something for the schoolyard, take a breath and count to ten. See if maybe there is someone else who isn’t quite as seasoned as you, but who wants to make a difference. They are there. Waiting in the wings. Ready to try.
Here’s to new beginnings for them and letting go for you!
To your success!
Sarah
Sarah has been fundraising for schools since 2008. She is the author of A Mom’s Guide to School Fundraising and has consulted for several schools and clubs. She has been featured on RetailMeNot.com, Scholastic: Parent & Child and The New York Times. She thinks all kids should be able to have a well-rounded education, team uniforms, instruments and support. Don’t you?
Photo Credit: www.bnhv.org