Culture: Buddy, Can You Spare Some Time?

November 2014 therotarianmagazine.com

People are volunteering less. Here’s what you can do about it.

Sit on your hands. That’s what I told myself as my son’s kindergarten teacher asked a roomful of moms and dads, “Who wants to be the room parent this year?”

The silence was interminable. Room parent is a volunteer position that involves organizing class celebrations and other activities. As an involved parent, I wanted to support my child’s teachers, but I had just started a new job and didn’t have time for another commitment.

Just keep your mouth shut and sit on your hands.

The tension rose. I couldn’t take it anymore. I opened my mouth to speak – but the voice that finally broke the silence was not mine. “I’ll do it!” shouted another mother, raising her hand just in time. The rest of us applauded, relieved.  Read More ...