Each New Year brings a rush of new volunteers to Boston Partners in Education who have resolved to give back to their community. If you aren’t already a volunteer (or know someone who might have “volunteering” on their resolution list), this is the countdown to the New Year for you. We’re counting down the reasons why everyone should tutor and mentor Boston Public Schools students in need.
10. The community
We are in this together – our community, our kids.
“We should expect more of society,” Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education.
9. The talent
You have an abundance of talent, share it with others!
8. The skills
You will develop new skills that will be useful to you in your career.
7. The tranquility
Volunteering is proven to reduce stress.
6. The smiles
The students will put a smile on your face!
5. The challenge
It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself – do something you never thought you would do!
4. The exploration
It’s a chance to explore a new career in education.
“I volunteered with Boston Partners in Education for three years, reading to the same girl from first grade to the third grade. Ashley was a delight, a bright spot in my weeks. During my years volunteering, I received an unexpected gift. I discovered a deep interest within myself in education. I was inspired by the energy and professionalism of the principal of Ashley’s school as well as her teachers.
Thanks to my volunteer experience I am now researching programs that will help me achieve my new dream of becoming a children’s librarian or a teacher/librarian in a school.” -Amanda Merk, former Power Lunch volunteer
3. The self-esteem
Builds your own self-esteem and confidence – it’s true, volunteering is cool and so are you.
2. The effect
You make a difference.
1. The need
Students and their teachers in the Boston Public Schools need YOU!
If you need more reasons to get involved as a volunteer academic mentor, stay tuned to our blog in January. It’s National Mentoring Month and we will be bringing you stories by and about some of our amazing volunteers. These stories come from busy individuals have figured out how to volunteer as a tutor and mentor with a student once a week. If they can, so can you!
Our first blog post of 2012 will be a story written by a math volunteer who works for Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications who used to think that math wasn’t “her thing.”
Happy New Year!