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Science Fair Survival for Parents

5 Simple Steps To Get Started

By Susan Wells

When my daughter started kindergarten about four years ago, I didn’t have a clue about science fair. Nothing. Never participated in one and only knew it had something to do with volcano models. That year, we visited the science fair to see what it was all about. The next year, she signed up. I researched how to do a project (my job helped a little) and we stepped ourselves through the process. The next year, I was in charge of organizing and putting on the science fair. If I can do it, so can you.

1. Ask a Question

The question doesn’t have to be something to make Newton scratch his chin. It can be anything. Some of my favorites are the simple questions:

• “Which gum has the longest lasting flavor?”
• “How many folds in a paper airplane will make it fly the highest?”
• “Where does the most bacteria live? On a door knob? Computer keyboard?”

2. Take A Guess

Write an “I think” statement. “What do you think will happen?” “Where will the largest quantities of bacteria live?” “Are three folds best on a paper airplane?”  This is your hypothesis.

3. Locate Your Materials

What will you need to find the answer to your question? Determining your variables will tell you what materials you will need. A variable is what changes from one experiment to another. Variables can be different brands and flavors of bubble gum, different paper thickness for folding paper airplanes or bacteria farm locations. You will draw conclusions from experimenting with different variables. If you don’t have at least one variable, you don’t have a true science experiment. 

4. Conduct Your Experiment

After you run your tests, draw conclusions.

• What did you learn?
• Did your experiment prove your hypothesis?
• Did it work the way you thought it would?

5. Time To Get Creative

It’s time to log and display information on a science fair board. Most craft stores sell them or Google “science fair project board” to find one online.  Organize your project board by the steps you followed – Big Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Data, Conclusion.

You are almost done. The final step before the fair is to practice and prepare to answer questions. Fair visitors will stop by your child’s board and ask questions about why they picked the topic, what they did and what they learned. Make sure they understand the topic and the project and are able to discuss it.

Science fair projects are a lot of work but come with a lot of reward. Don’t let your fears as a parent get in the way of one of the best learning opportunities for your child.

For more science fair project ideas, visit us at SteveSpanglerScience.com.

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Susan Wells is a mom of two girls, ages 5 and 9. She organizes the Science Fair at her daughter’s elementary school and loves to bring science into their lives in and outside of the classroom. Susan does social media, blogging, blogger outreach and web marketing for Steve Spangler Science.

 

Volunteer Ideas for Children

Many churches and faith groups across the country have adopted safety restrictions that require volunteers working with children to have attended training and be at least 16 years of age. While this may make it more difficult for younger kids to get involved, it definitely shouldn't keep them from it. Lynda Freeman, author of the blog: About the Children's Department, shares her ideas on how to make sure that kids are getting as many chances as possible to volunteer.

Ideas for Helping Children Under the Age of 16 Serve

By Lynda Freeman

I understand implementing a minimum age of 16 as a requirement for serving in all areas of your children's ministry is a controversial and difficult step to take for many, if not most, churches. However; if we are serious about doing all we can to make our children's ministries the safest place we can, it is necessary. This doesn't mean that young teens can not serve in our churches, it just means we need to be creative and intentional in engaging them in areas where they can serve! Consider some of the following ideas for helping young teens develop a positive history and experience serving in their own church.

• Invite young teens to be part of a "Children's Ministry Prep Team". Most curriculum resources include activities which require making copies, picking up supplies from the store, gathering supplies and in our preschool ministries, cutting out craft items. Involve these young teens in preparing these resources and you will not only be giving them an opportunity to be involved in your children's ministry, but you will also be providing a service to your volunteers as well.

• Young teens often want to help in the nursery, but they are just not old enough to do so. Consider involving them as part of your "Nursery Prep Team" and provide an adult to supervise a time before or after mid-week ministry where they clean the toys and place them in baskets for each service. This will help you keep your nursery as safe as possible and give these teens an opportunity to serve the young families in your church!

• It is important that we put in place a plan to let the children in our ministries know they are loved and if they are absent, we noticed. Involve young teens in your children's ministry by inviting them to be part of your "Children's Ministry Connections Team". These children will meet after services on Sunday and check the attendance lists. If there is a child who is absent, they will be sure to send them a card. If there is a child who has a birthday, again the will send a card. If you have a visitor, once again, these young teens will send a "we are so glad you visited us" card. This again gives these kids a way to serve and helps your children's ministry communicate to the children in it that they are valued - outside of class!

• I love supporting and encouraging volunteers! Consider inviting young teens to be a part of your "Volunteer Surprise Team"! Meet with these teens once a month to plan a "surprise" to support, encourage and thank your volunteers . . . you might plan to have volunteers stand in the service while the pastor prays for them and their ministry and then have your "Volunteer Surprise Team" present each volunteer with a daisy one month and another month you might have them visit each class with a brief "singing telegram"! Use your imagination and have fun with this - not only will it give you another way to involve young teens in your church, but it will support and encourage your volunteers as well!

You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to finding ways for young teens to serve in your church. Working directly with children is not the only way for these teens to be involved. Provide these types of opportunities for young teens to serve and then when they turn 16, invite them to be trained and serve as a volunteer working with the children!

*****

Lynda has 40 years of experience working in Children's Ministry. She has served as children's director for churches with congregations of 100- 1600 people, so she understands first-hand the needs of Children's Ministries in many settings. Lynda is an opinion leader in Children’s ministry and has been a consultant or contributor to Gospel Light, Group and ZonderKidz/Big Idea, ZonderKidz/Promiseland, Children’s Ministry Magazine, VeggieTales Connections Preschool Curriculum and Children's Ministry Magazine and Your Church Magazine. Read her popular blog, About the Children’s Department, and follow on facebook.

Parents: Don’t Fear the Science Fair

It’s that time of year again. Snow is melting, temperatures are starting to rise a bit and your child has to work on a science fair project.

The dreaded science fair project.

The goal of the science fair is to teach the scientific method and give students insight into how to theorize, set up, perform and draw conclusions from an experiment. But it’s so much more than just boring science steps. It gets kids excited about independent learning, reaching, researching and discovering. This isn’t something you read about in a text book, it’s something you create, build and find your own answers. Creativity also helps in building a science fair project board - they are works of art!

Students also learn public speaking skills during the fair when presenting their project and discussing it with fair visitors.

And through all of this hard work, speaking, creating, testing and concluding, the kids build self-confidence and pride in their work. My favorite part of the science fair is walking around and seeing the pride and joy on all of the kids’ faces. Now, how can that be dreaded?

A friend of mine told me that she fears the science fair so much, that she throws the signup sheet out quickly before her kids see it and get any ideas. I’ve heard from other parents that they would love to have their kids participate, but have no good idea where to start.

What are we teaching our kids if we are so fearful of the science fair that we won’t give them a chance at it? Information is power and that is true for the science fair. By knowing a few simple steps, you can help guide your child through an amazing journey through science.

Picking a science fair project starts with asking a question. Let’s use the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano.

Building a volcano and showing the eruption that occurs from the reaction between the baking soda and vinegar is NOT a science fair project. Testing additional substances beyond vinegar that will react with baking soda IS. Or testing different amounts of baking soda that will produce the highest or longest-acting volcano is another idea.

Start thinking of topics and visit us at SteveSpanglerScience.com for some help and ideas. In my next post, I’ll take you through a science fair project step by step to melt away the fears and get you and your child excited about science fair.

For science fair project ideas and how to get started, visit us at SteveSpanglerScience.com.

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Susan Wells is a mom of two girls, ages 5 and 9. She organizes the Science Fair at her daughter’s elementary school and loves to bring science into their lives in and outside of the classroom. Susan does social media, blogging, blogger outreach and web marketing for Steve Spangler Science.

8 Important Questions to Ask at Parent-Teacher Conference

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Get Your Game On!

Really there’s only one question you need to ask your child’s teacher.

How can I best help YOU help MY child?

A teacher who understands that as a parent you are there to help, collaborate and respond will be more likely to help YOU when it comes to your child’s education. Go to your spring parent-teacher conferences with a game plan, but above all, remember this is a team sport. You and your student are definitely the players, and the teacher is the coach. Listen actively, and let him or her guide you. In the end, your willingness to be a team player will go a long way to fostering a great learning experience for everyone involved!

8 Questions to Get Your Parent-Teacher Game 0n: 

 1. What would you say are my child’s strengths & learning opportunities?

2. How is my child’s behavior and what does it tell you about my child’s learning style? 

3. How should I track my child’s performance? Are there examples of my child’s work?

4. Do you have suggestions for things we can do at home to better support my child’s learning?

5. Are my child’s assignments completed on time and at an appropriate performance level?

6. What types of books and educational games do you recommend for my learner? Is there a list of suggested readings?

7. How is my child getting along socially with other children?

8. What am I not asking or noticing that I should be?

Above all, the parent-teacher conference is the start (or continuation) of a conversation.  Use this time to surface strengths, concerns and issues, and schedule followup meetings as needed to work on detailed actions. Game ON!

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VolunteerSpotlight: Jamie Cauthren, Teacher at Rashkis Elementary, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Teachers have a profound impact on young minds and they instill a love of learning that will hopefully last a lifetime. Parents and volunteers support their good work, extending a teacher's reach in the clasroom and providing students with enhanced learning experiences and enrichment opportunities.

 

Today, our VolunteerSpotlight shines  on Jamie Cauthren, a second grade teacher at Rashkis Elementary School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She uses VolunteerSpot to help organize parents for various activities during the school year.

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What do you organize with VolunteerSpot?

I am a second grade classroom teacher, I organize volunteers for literacy centers, writing workshop, and classroom celebrations.

 

Are you also a volunteer? 

I volunteer at my church when they need help with special events, community service or funcitons.  They also use VolunteerSpot.

 

Why do you serve as a teacher and volunteer?

I believe that we were put on this Earth to give back because everything we have is from Christ and because we have been given so much, we are expected to give as well.

 

What’s one piece of advice you have for parent volunteers out there?

Don't be afraid to sign up and try something new, you don't need to be an expert in education to come help out in the classroom; just listening to student read or helping to clean up an art project are all helpful!

 

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

I read about it in Real Simple magazine and checked it out and it seemed really easy to use. I was tired of dealing with countless emails about who could and couldn't volunteer and what times/days. This allows me to easily show parents exactly what I need, and they can fill in where possible.

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We salute Jamie and all the other teachers out there making a difference in our children's lives. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].

Easy Meeting Time Picker Using VoluneerSpot

Being on a committee at your school or nonprofit usually means meetings, lots of meetings, to get things done. Need to find a time when most committee members can meet?  We’ve got you covered!

How to use VolunteerSpot to choose the best meeting time for your group:

Step 1: Choose a 'No Specific Day' Signup Sheet
Step 2: List Options
Step 3: Invite members to signup and ‘vote’ for the best times 
Step 4: Choose the best meeting time       

Step 1: Choose a No Specific Day Signup Sheet

Login and create a new activity in the Planning Wizard and choose a “No Specific Day” signup sheet on screen 1.

Step 2: List Options

Click Plan Spots

Add a ToDo item for each meeting time under consideration.  Enter the meeting time option in the first field and press Save – don’t add a time, quantity or extra details.  {alternatively, you could list a recurring time, like “Every Monday at 4pm”  or “Every Tuesday at 6pm”}

Here’s the list, entered with the month/date first.  This is done so that the list shows in date order when viewed by the volunteer/committee member.

Step 3: Invite members to signup and ‘vote’ for the best times 

Invite your committee members on the last screen of the Planning Wizard.  For the most efficient process, we recommend that you ask members to signup for any time they are able to meet. E.g.:

We’re planning our upcoming meeting.  Please click the link below and sign up for ANY day you are available to meet.  I’ll tally the responses and choose the day most of us are available.  Thanks!

When a volunteer clicks the signup link and chooses times that work, (s)he’ll see something like this:

Step 4: Choose the best meeting time       

Once committee members have all signed up, you can see which time is convenient for the largest number of members. If needed you may click on the arrows on the left side and see who has signed up on each time/date option.

* * *

Once you have the best time, create a new sign up sheet to invite members (single day or multiple day).  Click “invite from previous” to automatically populate the committee members’ email addresses and we’ll take care of reminders for you so everyone makes the meeting!

Happy Meetings to You!

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

From the heart of our volunteer family to yours,

Happy Valentine's Day!

Athletic Plan of Action | Tidy Thursdays

by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach

I've heard it all before, believe me. After several years of helping folks organize their lives, I've heard all the reasons they don't have time to volunteer.

The biggest one?

"I don't have time"

I promise, if you offer me that response, I'll help you find the time in your schedule.

The truth of the matter, most of my clients ~ friends ~ family {even your's truly} have been burnt as a volunteer.

Remember my post last week? Baseball Meetings: Already??

The scenario was:

As I sat in the initial meeting, for a spring sport on the last day of January, I realized those who volunteer are the same folks. I asked readers to determine, are you the one who always shows up to help or are you the one no one knows they can call on for help?

Check out the conversation on VolunteerSpot's Facebook page.

How to be a welcoming group for new volunteers:

• be sure to listen to people if they are trying to say "no" to part of your request

• respect them and their family values, by respecting their boundaries

•  appreciate, appreciate, appreciate

How to be a volunteer that doesn't become a doormat:

• be clear on what you're willing to do and not do with your benevolence

• know your boundaries, if you sit down as a family for dinner ~ request no phone calls during that time of day

• don't expect to get a pat on the back from the other hard working folks, know your currency and invest there

Example:

I happened to be at this early bird meeting due to my computer skills {and the fact that the lady handing it off use to be my assistant and her son was no longer in the league, so she reached out}.

• I knew going in, I already have a busy schedule and could not commit to any "big" piece of a project.

• I also knew going in, I would be traveling during pivotal deadlines in the process. So, to rely on me may not be in the best interest of the league.

However, I could take a small chunk {just the computer side} and delegate out the other tasks {errands like bank deposits & checking the PO Box}.

In the end, my currency is my son playing baseball in a league ran by dedicated parents who really care about the kids having positive athletic experiences. {oh, and then there's that nasty rumor going around that I blackmailed the coach to come back for one more season or I would take all my computer skills and happily skip on home. I'm still disputing that! ~ grin}

The point is, a plan of action for volunteering really comes from both sides of the effort. The coordinators as well as the volunteers themselves.

• If you're unable to engage volunteers, assess your listening skills.

• If you feel like a doormat, assess your boundaries.

Head on over to the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and let me know your thoughts, we're having a fantastic conversation over there!

Keepin' it Tidy,

April

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April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect

 

 

And for other ideas on how to manage your time as a volunteer, check out Avoiding Volunteer Burnout

Girl Scout Cookie Booths: Simple Tips for Success

By Rene Butler

Running a Girl Scout Cookie booth is easy, right?  You bring a few cases of cookies, a Girl Scout or two, and grocery shoppers in droves stop and hand you money for your wares.  No sweat.

Although it may sound simple, running a successful cookie booth requires planning and hard work.  Running dozens of them is a test of nerves and a logistical struggle.  How do I know?  In the past two years, I have organized and run more than 70 of them!

Our troop sells around 8,000 boxes of cookies a year and booths are a major contributor to those successful numbers.  Let's face it, consumers like instant gratification and booths are much easier and more efficient than going door to door when nobody is home!

TIP: VolunteerSpot.com's FREE online signup sheet calendars make Troop Cookie Booth scheduling EASY!

So what kind of preparation goes into successfully coordinating a tasty table of treats?  I use the 4 "S" method to success:  Scheduling, Scouts, Supplies and Stock.

SCHEDULING: Location is key!

• It is important that you sign up for booths right when the locations are made available online. You thought Ticket Master is competitive?  You haven't seen a mass of cookie moms hitting the Internet yet! 
• I keep a spreadsheet with booths, locations, dates, and what was sold so I can spot trends and plan for next year.
•  If you don’t  have any data and If you're not sure which stores are the most coveted, ask your area cookie director; she will know. 
• Failing that, scope out the stores.  Which ones have full parking lots and crowded cash registers all the time?  Look for stores in areas surrounded by apartments.  Not only have those shoppers most likely not been visited at their home but the household density is also greater around these stores.
• The best times for booths are weekend afternoons and weekday nights.  I find that weekend evenings don't make good cookie booths.

How many booths do you schedule?  My mantra is, if you schedule it, they will come. 

• I get the first three booths scheduled and release them for troop signups.  Generally, at least four girls sign up for each with more interested.  At that time, I split the booth and schedule another one somewhere else at the same time. 
• When I'm allowed to sign up for unlimited booths, I schedule ones at dates and times I know me and my daughter can work.  That way if nobody signs up, I can make a quick phone call to find her a partner later.  If these booths get four girls interested, I split them.

SCOUTS: Training for success!

How many people do you schedule and what are they expected to do?

• Since my girls are cadettes, I rarely schedule more than two per booth.  Here's why:  when you have more than two girls, it creates a crowd around the booth that is inefficient and noisy.  Second, the girls don't have enough to do and bored girls play around.  I've seen too many cookie booths run by the parents because the girls are away playing.  This is the girls activity, not yours.  When there are two girls and one parent, everyone stays busy.  This is the ideal size. 
• The exceptions are when the location is extremely busy or when the girs are young (Brownies or Daisy Scouts) in which case three girls is ok.  Also, if you are at a store that has two doors you can post two girls at each door.

Behavior at my booths is expected as follows:

• No eating. 
• No sitting down.  A girl should be eager to help.
• Each customer should be asked if they would like to purchase cookies.  You can't just stand there and expect them to come to you.
• Look the customer in the eye and smile.
• Take rejection cheerfully.
• Breaks may be taken about every half hour for a few minutes and the girl must be away from the booth.
• Junior level girls and above use the bathroom alone and younger girls may take a buddy, which is why three are needed at younger levels.
• Older juniors and above may handle money and change must be counted back the old–fashioned way.
• No smoking, pets or extra people (non-Scouts).  Remember that you’re in a place of business and act accordingly.

 

To hear more about the other two S’s of Booth success (Supplies and Stock), visit my website at www.cookiemoms.com.  Soon, running successful cookie booths will be something you can do, too! You can find Rene on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

Take a live or video tour of VolunteerSpot's free and easy cookie booth scheduler here:

 

Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Teachers

I'm not sure if it was just me, but I absolutely loved making those Valentine's Day mailboxes in elementary. You know, when you'd take a shoebox and cover it in pink and red construction paper, cutout hearts, and an incredible amount of glitter?

Valentine's Day is fun for everyone when you're a kid, there's a party, those chalky heart candies; it doesn't get much better in kidom. But what about the teachers? Shouldn't they get their share of cheesy, heartwarming goodness?

This year, don't forget about your child's teacher on Valentine's Day, give them the gift of time with VolunteerSpot! This is a free and heartfelt way to give a meaningful gift that will make it easier on teachers all year round. Give teachers a break, literally, by officially giving a teacher the Valentine gift of time.

Here are some time-saving, thoughtful gift ideas:

• The most obvious: Schedule parent volunteers to work the Valentine's Day class party. Make sure to remind everyone what they're supposed to bring on the big day!

• Present the teacher with a bouquet of paper flowers, and on each petal write down the times and  dates of when parents have signed up to work in the classroom

• Virtual Box of Chocolates: Fill up an empty box of chocolates with thank you notes from the kids, and volunteer days from the parents

• Schedule a Valentine's Day potluck dinner for the staff of the school, using VolunteerSpot you can make sure that everyone's there at the right time with the right dish!

• For the whole week after Valentine's Day, have parents sign up to come in and help out with all kinds of different classroom activities and recess duty.

There are so many other ways parents can give their time collectively to make a big impact on a favorite teacher. Using VolunteerSpot's simple scheduling tool makes it easy to get everyone coordinated. Dream big this Valentine's Day, and know that showing your love to a teacher or anyone doesn't ever require money.

Field Day Activities

Field Day Games | Creative & Fun

Field Day is one of the most popular days of the school year. And why not? A whole day devoted to games…  HEAVY on the fun, LIGHT on the ‘rithmetic, what could be better!?

When it comes to organizing your school’s field day, the goal is to keep it fun and eventful without exhausting everyone involved.

Games Sure to Make a Fantastic Field Day

Fresh New Games Bring Giggles!

• Chicken Stix Relay:  Grab a rubber chicken from a bucket using drum sticks and run it across the field and deposit it in a different bucket.  Pass the stix to your team mate and they bring it back.
• Pizza Box Race: Start with a stack of 10 empty pizza boxes for each team and teams of 10 kids.   Two kids at a time run the pizza boxes to a finish line and stack them, first one box at a time, then two, then three then four. There must be 4 hands on the box(es) at all time (2 kids).  When all 10 boxes make it to the finish line, the team elects two kids to bring the entire stack back – as fast as possible.
• Plunger Challenge: Start with 4-8 plungers.  Kids pass a ball back-and forth as many times as possible.  Younger kids do this while standing in a circle, older kids while running toward a finish line. Kids compete for lowest score - one point is awarded each time the ball hits the ground.
• Water Shoot Out Relay: Using a high-power water gun, kids try to knock a foam ball off a cone some distance away. For older kids, have teachers or a parent squirting a stream of water back at the kids – they’ll try to squirt the adults defensively and will have a harder time completing their task. Start with the filled water blaster some distance from the starting point in a hoop on the ground.  Kids have to run to get their ‘weapon’ and then replace it in the same hoop – refilling before putting it back.
• Soaking Wet Sweatpants Relay: Prepare two pairs of adult sweatpants and two buckets of water. Divide into two teams, first person up, dips the sweatpants into the bucket completely drenching them. Then puts them on and runs to a designated marker and back. Takes the pants off and hands them to the next kid who also dunks the pants and puts them on. And so on till the last kid on the team makes it back.

Original Favorites Never Grow Old

• Parachute game: Popcorn: Toss multiple small rubber balls on the fabric while held taut, see how long your team can keep them popping!
• Three-legged race: Divide into teams of 2, tie up with ribbon and race in groups of 3 around a barrel of water and back.
• Egg and spoon race: 2 or even 3 teams, and use different types of objects to carry, try giant marshmallows, ping pong balls, potatoes. Or use chopsticks to carry items.
• Sack race: Line up all the kids inside burlap sacks, or old pillowcases, hop to the finish line, first 3 win.
• Obstacle course: Get creative with your obstacles. Find ladders, garbage cans even old lounge chairs, to crawl over, under, around and through.
• Tug-o-war: Find a soft rope and tie several knots in each side. Divide into teams and place a large puddle of water in between the teams. First team to touch the water Loses.

And don't miss this FREE Field Day event cards download from Cap'n Pete's PE! Covering large group game ideas with step-by-step instructions, these free cards help field day volunteers, teachers, leaders and students easily understand the Field Day events. Download now

8 Tips to Make Your Field Day a Success!

1. Set a time limit for your field day – typically 60-90 minutes, with 10 minute rotations at each station.

2. Offer ‘Rest’ Water Stations where kids can get a drink and enjoy fun individual activities such as blowing bubbles, stacking cups, hula hooping, or chalk drawing

3. Make activities more complex by age.  For example, passing a ball might be enough challenge for kinder kids, add passing while running for 3^rd graders, and passing a ball while running through an obstacle course for 5^th and 6^th graders

4. Have megaphones, whistles, stop watches and clipboards handy for teachers and lead parent volunteers

5. Mix it up – some stations compete team vs team, and others, compete for best time.

6. Funny every-day items make the best props, e.g. plungers, rubber chickens, funny hats, and sunglasses

7. How will you score and keep track of points?  Reward teams with different color beaded necklaces, rubber band bracelets, or small ribbons to indicate how they placed in each event

8. Everyone wins! Order cute printable Field Day Certificates from Baudv!lle.com

DON’T FORGET TO CALL IN THE TROOPS

VolunteerSpot is the perfect tool for bringing in more school parent volunteers. Set up free sign up sheets  and make the  ‘Volunteer Spot’ titles catchy. For example: Ringleader needed for the water balloon juggling toss contest, Inner Artist needed for the face painting table, Coach Butterfingers needed for the ping pong relay station… remind the parents they get to have fun too!

 

More Resources: We've got last-minute Field Day Ideas here - 5 essentials to a fun and memorable day.

What are your Field Day favorites? Please click 'comments' below and share.

Special thanks to Julia Webber for sharing field day fun ideas and photos! Julia is a mom of 3 in Austin, Texas.

 

Also see:

Field Day Game Ideas

Field Day Essentials Checklist

5 Tips for Field Day Fun

Field Day Prize Ideas

Getting Your Charity Auction Volunteers to Buy-in and Work

By Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions LLC.

 

Got problems getting auction volunteers energized to do what is needed to be done?

Here’s one tip:  Give volunteers something new and creative to learn which simultaneously solves a problem your charity auction is experiencing.

Volunteers will remain engaged if they believe the solution you are sharing is 1) fun and 2) will solve the problem. When it’s fun to solve the problem, your volunteers will do it.

I’ve written before about Volkswagen’s “The Fun Theory” project. The group conducted tests to see if they could influence the public to engage in activities generally considered unpopular, such as:

• throwing trash in a bin instead of on the ground
• obeying the speed limit
• taking the stairs instead of the escalator

The result?  When the activity is fun, people will do it again and again… even if it’s kind of a negative for them.

Consider the act of playing the slot machines. Gamblers lose money playing those slots, but they continue to do so because they think it’s fun to push the button and maybe win a jackpot.

Here’s a process I’ve used to engage auction volunteers which might help you work with your team:

1. In my initial meeting, we talk about last year’s auction fundraiser.  If the topic doesn’t naturally come up, I’ll ask the volunteers what they didn’t like about the event.  What were “the issues.”
2. Based on those problems, I offer ideas for solutions. (I don’t offer ideas for everything; just ideas for issues  identified as problems.)
3. As I describe each idea, I note what they respond to.  I want their buy-in.
4. They’ll execute what is appealing to them; other ideas are abandoned.  (Even if it’s my favorite idea, I let it go.  The ideas that work best are those that appeal to many, not just me.)

When you start sharing new ideas for the auction, your volunteers’ creative juices start to flow. And when they are invested in the ideas, they will do a better job of executing.  (Let’s face it, you become more interested in the condition of the property when your name is on the mortgage!)

If you’re stumped for new auction ideas (maybe you’re new to the Auction Chair role), here’s a resource.  Charity Auction Bells & Whistles looks at 10 common problems of auction fundraisers and offers 22 suggestions for addressing those problems with a game, activity or raffle.  For instance, maybe you …

• are short on procured items this year.  Acquisitions have ‘dried up’ and you need help.
• want to have greater participation in your live auction because you’re tired of the same 10 people always bidding.
• need something that appeals to children because your auction guests are families, not just adults.
• have too many items on your silent auction tables.  It’s so cluttered, items don’t sell for high-dollar.

For help with these and other common charity auction problems, visit www.AuctionGames.info.

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Benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar's entertaining stories and advice is often picked up by publications (e.g. Town & Country, The Washington Post Magazine, AUCTIONEER, The Eleusis, The Virginia Auctioneer) and television (e.g. E! Style, TLC) where she inspires and teaches volunteers how to hit new fundraising records in their auction galas.  Enjoy her FREE Auction Item Guide (listing the 100 best-selling items to sell in your benefit auction) at http://www.RedAppleAuctions.com .
 

 

VolunteerSpotlight: Kim Walker, Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center

The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center (LCDC) is a children’s museum and community resource for children, parents, caregivers, families and schools. The LCDC features exhibits and displays that children can touch, climb or move; an art center equipped for messy, hands-on art making; and a variety of arts-based classes and camps. The LCDC also provides volunteer opportunities for teens and adults within the community and they use VolunteerSpot to schedule and track these volunteers.

Today, our spotlight shines on Kim Walker, Associate Director of Programs & Events at LCDC.

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Please tell us a little about yourself and about your work with LCDC.

I was thrilled when the LCDC offered me the position as Associate Director of Programs & Events.  My work experience includes teaching, school counselor, co-owner of an automotive repair shop, and owner of a small email marketing/social media company to name a few. I’ve found great happiness being involved in several charities and non-profits which are close to my heart.  My work with the LCDC allows me to pull from all of those experiences in a harmonious way.  My love for children and working with them and their families found its home here at the LCDC because I get to do many things, but most importantly planning, managing and implementing the educational and special programming for our guests.  I also oversee the volunteer programs which led me to VolunteerSpot!

What are your volunteer needs for LCDC? How does it work?  

We are a valuable resource to our community and as a non-profit we have a unique set of needs which allows us to offer multiple volunteer opportunities.  We are located close to Southeastern Louisiana University and have formed a wonderful partnership with a few of the departments on campus such as the Teaching & Learning and the Family & Consumer Sciences departments. We are an approved field experience site for the teacher candidates and Family Studies students to earn their field experience hours.  We are fortunate to have many volunteers from these departments; they offer wonderful direct teaching and interaction with our visitors. We are also connecting with local civic and service organizations within our community and high schools such as Key & Beta Clubs.  We are also putting together a force of “Junior Volunteers”,from the Junior Beta Clubs, to earn community service hours.

VolunteerSpot is an incredibly efficient, effective way to manage the scheduling of all our volunteers, including daily opportunities to interact with families in the exhibit areas or for special events. It's a win-win and has made the process seamless! From our opening in October through November we have had over 130 volunteers earning over 1,400 volunteer hours! Our mission is to provide an exceptional environment where play & learning inspire children to embrace the world and we are able to do that through our great team of volunteers.

How did you get interested in volunteering?  

My first volunteer experience was as a “Candy Striper” at the local hospital when I was 13 years old.  Since then, I have found great joy in giving my time to many organizations and enjoy passing that trait on to my son. I believe that the heartbeat of America is in small businesses and volunteers! I have volunteered in churches, with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), professional associations, my son’s school, the Caring Community Foundation and more.

What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders out there?

My biggest piece of advice is to always remember that volunteers are giving of their own very special time. Though they’re not looking for thanks, remember that they are a huge asset and are to be valued!

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot? How did we work for you?

Soon after accepting my job with the LCDC in June 2010, I began thinking of the unique volunteer opportunities our center would offer, but our museum software had no way to schedule and track volunteers.  I began using social networking sites to find out how others were scheduling and tracking volunteer hours, but it wasn’t until I posed the question on the ChildMus list serve for professionals within the Children’s Museum industry that I got my ultimate answer. I received several resources but VolunteerSpot was the most effective, for me.  I love how easy it is to setup and share.  But more important than what I think about it is what our volunteers think about it.  The feedback has been nothing but positive!  It has made scheduling a dream.  We find it a great win-win for everyone involved. I put the schedule out there, share it, email it, post it and our volunteers can schedule based on their own availability.  We love it!

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To learn more about the LCDC, please visit http://www.lcdcofhammond.org/.

We salute Kim and all the other volunteer coordinators, working to make it easier for volunteers to do their good work. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected]

Baseball Meetings: Already? | Tidy Thursdays

by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach

I could hardly believe the email when I opened it {in late January}. I was being summoned to the first baseball meeting of the 2011 season.

Really?

I took a second look at the calendar and confirmed, it was in fact still January!

Once my composure returned, it was easy to remember

"all successful efforts begin with a well laid out plan"

The first meeting was a meager one, of course. Not everyone carries the same compassion for good intentions.

As I surveyed the attendees, I began thinking about those who weren't able to join us.

• One Dad would have been leaving a sick-with-the-flu family {thank you for keeping your germs to yourself}

• Another parent hadn't responded

• And two Dad's were in the gym next door coaching basketball {the current season}

Living in a community of involved families has so many benefits, however the down side is, you see the same people stepping in as a coach or a team parent.

Here is my February Challenge to you:

Are you the Volunteer that everyone can count on?

or

Are you the Volunteer that no one knows they could ask to help?

Leave a comment below, or stop by the VolunteerSpot Facebook page and answer the question. I really want to know how you see yourself in my "initial meeting" scenario.

Then come back by next Thursday and let's hatch a plan on how you can be Volunteering... For Good as a parent the next athletic season your child is participating in!

Keepin' it Tidy,

April

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April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect

 

 

Baseball and Youth Sports leaders, you may also like:

Batter Up!  VolunteerSpot's Free Software a Hit with Little Leagues

Fundraising Tips: Raise More Cash at the Concession Stand

 

10 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Volunteers

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas!

Looking for a way to say "Thank You!" to all of those people who help support your organization all year long? Volunteers are those kind of people we love to thank, people who help out without wanting anything in return. What better time to recognize them than on Valentine's Day, where love is spread through chocolates, candies and everything heart-shaped?! This Valentine's Day, shower your volunteers with appreciation to let them know how much you love what they do.

To get you started on your volunteer lovin', we've come up with 10 ways to recognize your volunteers on Valentine's Day:

10 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Volunteers:

 

• Have your program recipients (or teachers/students) make or sign valentine’s cards for the volunteers!  Thank you – we LOVE what you do for us!

• Give your volunteers a break! Host a Valentine’s Day potluck luncheon where your volunteers can come together and let each other know how much they’re appreciated.

• Create a photo wall where volunteers sign-in, including photos of volunteers in action, hearts and love notes.

• Tulip bulbs are a fun way to express your “growing” appreciation for your fantastic volunteers, pair them with a note on how each volunteer has contributed towards the organization, and why they’re a crucial part of your organization’s team.

• Treats always go a long way towards saying “Thanks!”, whether they’re homemade or store bought, everyone loves something sweet on Valentine’s Day.

• Ask for their feedback about what’s working, and how you can improve the volunteer program to make it more meaningful and fun for them. (Do this over lunch or coffee, even better!)

•  Anything heart-shaped: chocolate, cards, balloons, cakes, or stickers. You can’t lose on Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped gifts.

• Go old-school! Make a shoebox into a Valentine’s mailbox, like you used to in elementary school, and have volunteers leave notes for each other throughout the week as they come in for their shifts.

• See our past blog posts for more fun ideas on Thanking Volunteers, Valentine’s Day, and Volunteer Appreciation

• Check out VolunteerSpot’s free and idea-filled "Volunteer Recognition from A to Z" ebook on how to recognize your awesome volunteers.

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your volunteers!

~ Team VolunteerSpot