Volunteering- the benefits!
“Catholic schools would not exist without the outstanding dedication and contribution of parents. We urge school staff to continue involving parents in the development of the school’s outcomes”.
Bishops Mandate #77
The Bishops Mandate letter makes a very powerful statement about the role that parents have traditionally played in Catholic schools in WA and in fact across Australia. From the early days when parents and grandparents would collect at weekends at their children’s schools, to mend leaks, fix guttering and bake lamingtons amongst a plethora of other activities, to today’s Parents and Friends Associations and School Boards, the goal has remained constant. That is to add strength to our school communities by providing the assistance required to ensure the best outcomes for our children and young people. This is predominately achieved through ‘fundraising’ and more importantly ‘friendraising’.
In recent years, many schools have applied a parent levy which is added to the school fee schedule, and which in turn takes the pressure off additional fundraising throughout the year. This enables the P&F /Parent Group to concentrate on ‘friendraising’ activities, hugely important in building positive and vibrant school communities.
At a time when mental health and wellbeing is taking centre stage for many communities, including our school communities, it is important to acknowledge the role that volunteering plays in this. Whilst many parents put their hands up to help, in order to provide the extra’s that the school budget does not allow for, the other huge benefit to those who volunteer is the role it plays in contributing to their own wellbeing.
The graphic below which we sourced from the Ignite Youth Foundation website shows clearly the benefits of volunteering with regard to our mental health and wellbeing.
Image: Ignite Youth Foundation
We can see from this graphic that while volunteering on school parent groups, not only contributes substantially to our school community, importantly it provides significant benefits to us as volunteer parents and carers. We hear regularly today, especially in the health and wellbeing space that in order to help others we need to look after ourselves first. Volunteering is a great way to do both!
International Volunteer Day takes place annually on 5th December to raise awareness of the very important role volunteers play in today’s society and so we at CSPWA would like to add our voice of thanks to the many many parents and carers who volunteer in whatever way they can to our Catholic school communities.
Although we recognise that we live in an ever busy world and that not everyone has the time required to volunteer it is important to remember every little bit helps.
Many years ago one of our much loved past CSPWA (then known as the Parents and Friends Federation) councillors wrote the following piece. It is as valid today as it was then and we hope it inspires you as you move from one school year to the next.
“I am particularly proud of the Parents and Friends Federation’s reputation, hard-earned over many years. We live in turbulent times when substantial distrust exists between people, government and nations. It would be easy to excuse ourselves by not taking any responsibility for the affairs of the world and society around us – thinking there is nothing we can do. However, as individuals and organisations we can at all times be honest with ourselves and honest with others and respect all people regardless of nationality, creed or political persuasion. Let us all continue to be known for our caring qualities, integrity and trustworthiness.”
Agnes Weymouth - Past President /Council Member of CSPWA