written about it before and I’m pretty adament about it, but last week I volunteered at my daughters school and literally, it was some of the best contact work I’ve ever done. Here’s why…
- I got to see my girls. Seeing your children in a different environment and setting is always enlightening because you get to see them interact with their friends and teachers in a way unlike any other time. School is THEIR territory, not mine so seeing them in their own environment was great.
- I ran into several students from the neighborhood that I know and they got to see a father (not a mother – mothers are always in the school helping) as a positive contributor to the school. So many fathers are busy at work and don’t have the flexibility in their schedules like ministers do. Mothers are in the schools regularly so having a father in their contributing and involved is always nice. And, just like seeing my own children, I get to see neighborhood kids in a different environment and see how they act at school.
- I had good conversations with teachers and other administrators. This wasn’t my 1st time volunteering and it certainly won’t be my last so going to school I got to connect with other teachers (all who know what I do for a living) and administrators and catch up on them and their families. Developing those stronger bonds is always good in breaking down barriers between what they may think about ministers and churches. The more I interact and get to know them, the more likely they will think of me and my church if/when something hurtful or tragic happens at the school or in their lives.
- I saw other parents from around the neighborhood and got to talk to them. As parents came in to volunteer and eat lunch with their own children, I got to say, “hi” and talk to them about life in general. Simple conversations over and over again go a long way.