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Decluttering Throughout the Academic Year | Tidy Thursday

by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach

Now that we've covered all the essential topics for back to school:

 

• Back to School Checklist
• Morning Routines
• Time Management for Back to School
• Athletic Students
• Housework a.k.a. :: Chore Wars
• Homework

It's only natural to discuss the maintenance plan. Yes, similar to oil changes for the car - furnace checks for the house or even semi-annual dental exams, there are preventative measures a family can take throughout the academic year that contribute to decluttering and keeping a student on track.

 

Decluttering Paper

The end of the quarter is a great benchmark for decluttering paper. Helping the student clear graded papers, they no longer need to keep track of, is an excellent practice. Be sure they check with their teachers to make sure assignments have been recorded in the grade book before discarding.

 

Decluttering Bags

The end of the week is an ideal benchmark for the bag task. Rarely does anyone feel like dumping a backpack out at the end of a Friday, however, projects that can require larger time blocks may be lurking within the depths of the clutter. Also, teaching a student to maintain their bag at the end of the 'work week' can help nurture other habits like picking up after themselves during transition times.

 

Decluttering Lockers

School vacations are excellent benchmarks for the locker declutter :: The 2 weeks in December, the 1 week in the spring and for some the single week in February. Discussing with your student the plan and then equipping them with the right materials can make this a successful venture.

On the last school day before vacation begins:

• send your student to school with a large duffel bag or a few black garbage bags
• plan to have your student picked up from school (instead of riding the bus)
• help them carry bags to the car, in a manner that appears to be a "special project"
• once home help them sort through the items, WITHOUT JUDGEMENT
• assign them laundry room & dishwasher time, have them do the laundry & dirty dishes that have come home
• stay upbeat, positive and loving. I promise you, they are mortified. Even if it doesn't seem like it.
• repeat again at the next holiday break

 

Decluttering the car

It's true, my backseat can resemble the local dump. And so goes the mantra of most parents that shuttle their kiddos around. A few tips that have worked for me:

• Remind the kids to pick up what they entered the car with when exiting the car
• Keep some sort of garbage container available {{I use a large plastic Starbucks cup}}
• Empty garbage from the vehicle when you fill up the gas tank, have passengers participate as well
• When all else fails, declutter the car when you're student declutters their bag

 

Decluttering bedrooms

Well, honestly - this one is a lost cause. Sorry to break it to you so bluntly. Truth is, the attempts will be a complete waste of time until the kiddo is ready for change.

Until that day comes, here are the 3 rules I recommend parents present to their housemate:

1. There must be a clear path to emergency exits :: window & door
2. The door must be able to close {in case there is company}
3. There must not be a noticeable odor before arriving at the room

Most kids reach a "something's gotta give" perspective in their own time, granted it tends to take much longer than parents would like, but it does generally happen. Coincidentally, it tends to happen around the dating years. Hmm, go figure.

 

So, there you have it. The academic year maintenance plan. I would love to hear from you either in the comments below or over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page ...

How do you stay on top of decluttering throughout the academic year?

 

Keepin it Tidy,

april

 

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.

School Volunteering

I love the first few days of school. The excitement on my children's faces as they put on new school clothes, as they discuss with one another about whether they will get to be line leader, or make the debate team this year.

I love that when they get home they wave all these bits of paper at me, enthusiastic that these documents will make all the difference for their school experience in the year ahead.

And they are right.

Those magical, colorful scraps of paperwork CAN make a difference for everyone engaged in educating a child. Here's how...

When we started school nine years ago, I knew that I would no doubt join the PTA and be "active" to a certain degree. After all, I knew that a room parent could be a vital partner to a teacher, beyond just bringing snacks for special days or cutting out paper flower patterns.

Plus, for all the selfish reasons in the world I just wasn't ready to be "away" from my oldest for any real length of time and I knew that a room parent would mean I could be "with" him without being "with" him.

And so began my journey as a Parent Volunteer...

Which is where I find myself nine years later. I have been the room parent (or co-parent) each year for each of my children. Sometimes I'm better at it than others, and once my oldest started middle school room parents weren't really a part of the requirement/need.

I've been the PTA VP of Ways and Means, the PTA Secretary, the PTA President, the PTA Membership Chairperson, the PTA District President, the State PTA Legislative Committee Member...

I've loaded and unloaded and inventoried tee-shirts, cookie dough, wrapping paper...I've decorated and cleaned up for fall festivals and silent auctions...I've written, edited, xeroxed, stapled, and distributed
newsletters...I've shelved books in the library and worked at book fairs...I've called/emailed/action alerted school board members, city council members, the Mayor, Congressman/women, Senators about a variety of education issues...I've dug holes so a playground could be installed...I've lead workshops and webinars...participated in panels...

And at the end of the day I know this:

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” - Edward Everett Hale

So just imagine if EVERY parent filled out those forms...if all 26 plus parents of my daughter's kindergarten class offered to be the room parent, to chaperoned a field trip, to shelve books in the library, to inventory tee shirts, to help build a playground...and just think if every parent in all three of our school's kindergarten classes offered to serve on a PTA (or other parent group board)...and just think if every parent in every kindergarten class at all the elementary schools in our district offered to call a legislator or send an action alert about a major education issue that impacts children...just think if every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, big sister, big brother, community member said "I CAN DO SOMETHING" because just ONE something combined with another ONE something can make an AMAZING amount of somethings... and an amazing amount of somethings means an amazing opportunity and
educational experience for our children.

I'm not saying that every parent volunteer has to be me, after all, there is only one Myrdin Thompson, but I do know that every parent has a something to contribute. It doesn't have to be every day, or every week...it can be at home, at a community center...nothing is trivial, nothing insignificant. EVERY moment makes a difference...and if we work together...well "a thousand spiders can tie up a lion." So please, take a moment, fill out the volunteer records check, ask what your child's teacher needs, offer your skills, your talent...communicate, collaborate, connect, care. CONTRIBUTE.

Why? Because Together Everyone Achieves More..."team"work...and many hands make light work, for you, for your child's teacher and school, and most importantly for your child.

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Myrdin Thompson has been a Louisville public school parent, volunteer & advocate since 2002. She is currently the Kentucky PTA Reflections Commissioner and her son's middle school PTSA President. She was recognized by the White House as a "Champion of Change" in April 2011; is the Arts Advocate Mentor for Mom Congress; and was the Kentucky Delegate for Parenting Magazine's 2010 Mom Congress. She is dedicated to building support for and enhancing the quality of education in the Jefferson County Public Schools for all children in the district.

Read more by Myrdin on Roots & Wings and follow her on Twitter: @myrdinjt

No Child Left Inside!

3 Done-in-A-Day Volunteer Projects to Encourage Outdoor Play at Your School

Your kids need time and space to play in school. It’s not just about having fun—physical activity during the school day can help their attention, classroom behavior, and achievement test scores.

Most schoolyards could do so much more to inspire kids to play and run around, but the good news is that you can take matters into your own hands. These three projects won’t cost an arm and a leg and, with the right prep work and a dedicated group of volunteers, can be done in a single day: 

 


1.        Paint games on unused asphalt

 Stretches of plain asphalt at your school present valuable opportunities for play—just add paint! Markings for simple games, like hopscotch and four square, help incentivize children to engage in play and physical activity. A scientific research review actually concluded that painted games are an effective intervention strategy in the childhood obesity epidemic, increasing children’s physical activity and energy expenditures. Plus, they increase motor skills, create learning opportunities for conflict resolution, and maximize the potential of your playspace.

2.       Build an outdoor classroom
Why restrict use of outdoor spaces to recess time? The outdoors is rife with learning opportunities, and with a healthy dose of creativity, teachers can find ways to take advantage of outdoor spaces and to incorporate natural, sensory, and “messy” elements into their lesson plans. Exposure to environment-based education significantly increases student performance on tests of their critical thinking skills. Parents can help facilitate outdoor learning by pitching in to build a DIY outdoor classroom so that kids have a dedicated space outside to gather and reflect. 

 

 

3.       Just add shade

Many playgrounds offer no shaded areas, which discourages use in hotter months, during which slide temperatures have been known to reach 155 degrees F!. Shade structures come in all shapes and sizes and can be added to existing equipment to provide some respite from the sun. If your budget is tight, consider erecting temporary shade structures from tarps, fabrics, and/or tents. And don’t forget about planting trees, which not only provide shade but also beauty, greenery, and new climbing opportunities for children! 

Ready to get started?

Sign this Back-to School pledge, brought to you by VolunteerSpot and KaBOOM!, and  we’ll send you a FREE copy of How to Save Play at Your School—featuring these and 12 other action ideas that parents can take this fall to make school grounds and school days more playful. Plus, learn how you can win $750 to spruce up your school playground!

8 Great Fall Sign Up Sheets

Sign Up Sheets for School, Sports and Other Fall Events | Sign Up Saturday

Fall is full of classroom parties, sports events, fall holidays and service projects. It’s always inspiring to see the creative ways VolunteerSpot's free online signup sheets are put to use! 

We wanted to highlight some simple sign up sheets that make it easy to ask for help during the busy fall  season. Whether you’re organizing --  classroom Halloween Party, School Carnival, Neighborhood Cleanup, Lacrosse Tournament, pumpkin patch fundraiser -- asking for help lowers your stress level and gives others an opportunity to feel (really) good as they can easily contribute to your good work.  

Whatever you’re organizing, we hope VolunteerSpot will save you time, get more people involved and make your life a little easier!

Happy Fall!

Fall Signup Sheet Examples

Classroom Helper (month view)

School Carnival

 

Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser

 



Classroom Halloween Party

 

 

Soccer Snacks

Lacrosse Tournament

 

Neighbohood Cleanup

 

Concession Stand

 What are other ways to use VolunteerSpot's signup sheets? Let us know how YOU use VolunteerSpot to schedule volunteers online. Write a comment below or on our facebook page to share your volunteering efforts.

 Thanks for Doing Good!!

VolunteerSpotlight: Rebecca Weymouth - Art Festival Volunteer Coordinator for St. Steven's Church in Miami

St. Steven's Episcopal Church takes pride in their diversity.  Located in the center of the business and entertainment district of Coconut Grove, Florida, the parish runs the St. Stephen’s Arts & Crafts Annual Festival, consistently ranked in the top 50 shows in the nation. The congregation at St. Stephen's not only gives generously to the community through its own outreach programs, but it contributes regularly to community charities: the Homeless Assistance Center in Miami, the Coconut Grove Food Pantry at Christ Church, Trinity Cathedral's "Feed My Sheep" program, the Thelma Gibson House, and the Lotus House, among others.

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Today, our VolunteerSpotlight shines on Rebecca Weymouth, who uses VolunteerSpot's free online signup sheets to coordinate volunteers for the St. Steven's Episcopal Church annual art show.

 

Please tell us about the art show and your volunteer needs.

Our church hosts an art show each year during Presidents’ Day Weekend, in February. This past year was the 23rd year for the show. The money significantly helps to fund a portion of the church's outreach programs. It takes hundreds of volunteers to make this show a success. The volunteers help with a variety of jobs, from food preparation/cooking and selling beverages to manning the admission gates, including many other tasks. Coordinating the volunteers has always been a monumental task. I helped coordinate two years ago and couldn’t believe the logistics involved with trying to organize everyone who helps not only during the three day show, but also during the three days prior to the show, and to help break down the show.

How did you get started as a volunteer leader?

I volunteered. =)

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

Start early. Preparation is the key to organizing a well-run, well-attended show or program.

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

This past year I decided that we needed to somehow automate the process of organizing volunteers. Thankfully, someone suggested VolunteerSpot. I checked it out and it was obvious that it was set up to handle everything we needed to do – and more! I could not have been more pleased with the service – which was free!! – and the assistance I received whenever I had a question. This is an incredibly helpful website to use for any volunteer activity – large or small, for charity or not.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about volunteering?

Simply look at the introductory video on the VolunteerSpot website. Once you see how easy it can be (and it really can be easy), you’ll feel confident using the website, which saves countless hours and precious energy, doing the work that you simply don’t have the time to do. THANK YOU VolunteerSpot!

To learn more about St. Steven's Church, visit http://ststephenscoconutgrove.com/ or visit their art show website.

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We salute Rebecca Weymouth and all the other volunteer coordinators out there making a difference in the world. 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].

Homework | Tidy Thursday

by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach

 

Homework

Now that back to school has settled in, let the nagging begin. At least that's what tends to go through the minds of most parents when they hear that single word.

It doesn't have to be this way though, homework struggles can be a thing of the past with some system tweaks, perspective shifts and of course - a whole lot of patience.

 

 

Homework :: Yours = Parent Signatures & Planner Checks

Believe it or not, follow through with all that back to school paperwork can set the tone for the pipsqueaks. If they don't see us parents making it a priority to follow the teacher's rules / requests they tend to adopt the same passive attitude as well. Only in a much more detrimental way = their own homework.

Some tips for "catching it as it comes in":

1. When they unpack their bag at the end of the day be available
2. Ask if there are any papers you need to sign
   • then sign them right away & return them to the child's completed homework pile
3. Help them sort through the items based on what needs done and turned back in or what is completed and needs filed or can stay home until the end of the grading term

 

Homework :: Theirs = getting the grades

Obviously, completing homework and turning it in is part of the grade however many students struggle with this task. Some will do the work and not turn it in. Others simply cannot find the motivation to continue working once home. What is a parent to do?

Tips that have helped student's I've worked with:

• Allow for some down time
  • most students appreciate a breather right after school, while others can't re-motivate once they relax ~ help your child figure out how they function best and create a routine that capitalizes on it
• Nutritious snacks
  • fueling the body as well as the mind in the afternoon can make or break that final stretch of effort that's needed, pay attention to what they are filling their tummies with and provide healthy options
• Music
  • memories of "no music" while you do your homework still haunt me, some students work better with tunes going in the back ground ~ allow the music as long as they are getting their homework done

When my oldest child was in 7th grade the teacher's philosophy helped change his viewpoint of homework:

Would you go to work each day filling out a time card and then NOT turn it in for a paycheck?

{{the students all shook their heads no, quite passionately}}

Then why would you show up each day in class and not turn in your homework?

Your grades are your paycheck

Thank you Mr. Snow!

 

No more nagging, about homework at least

I know, wouldn't it be great if I could give you that "silver bullet" answer that eliminated the homework nagging for good? Unfortunately, I can't. But what I can give you is:

• Listen to your student
  • if they are struggling to focus :: allow a mental break
• Communicate with your student
  • if they are asking for music :: negotiate the expectations, and subsequent consequences
• Honor your student
  • if they prefer doing their homework on the floor :: let them, it's the only way they can determine their most comfortable way to be productive

 

The well stocked homework nook

And finally, the tools of the trade! Parents think keeping supplies are handy for their student and homework time, but don't misunderstand the true meaning of this after school pantry. Believe it or not, this tip is all about time management!

For example:

Student needs to create an art project at home using colored pencils.

Outcome 1:

You are headed to the store because you don't have colored pencils at home = unexpected errand & time from your planned schedule

Outcome 2:

You have colored pencils and provide them right away = woo-hoo, no unexpected errand or detour from your original plans!

So, what can you stock the afterschool pantry with? Easy. Mimick the school supply list you shopped from at the end of summer.

Always begin by taking inventory in your own supply closet though. And don't forget all those discarded supplies from the end of last year.

A few additional items to add might be

• a lap desk, for the non-traditional work space
• a small caddy to hold supplies
• a good set of earbuds for personal music choices
• good lighting

 

Be sure to join the conversation over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and let me know

What homework tips are you using this school year?

Keepin it tidy,

April

 

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.

Benefit Auction Tips

Insuring Your Auction|Why and What Kind You Should Consider

Last year, a 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle was stolen.The bike was painted pink and signed by a number of country music stars, such as Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Taylor Swift.

Here’s the kicker:  It had been donated to be sold in a benefit auction to benefit the Lexington affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The bike had been stored inside a trailer secured by chains in the organization’s parking lot.  When employees returned to the office after the weekend, they noticed it was gone.

Sad.

The bike sounds irreplaceable, but I hope, at least, they had some insurance.

From my event management days, here are some types of event-specific insurance you can consider as you plan your benefit auction.

Property Damage Insurance

Covers the damage or loss of the property of the policy owner.  For instance, if you have your auction set-up the night before and a thief slips in during the night and steals a registration laptop and some items, the typical Property Damage Insurance policy would cover those items.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) or Comprehensive General Liability

This is a basic business policy and covers major risks, including property damage and injury to people.  Usually higher-risk activities (serving alcohol comes to mind) require an additional policy or rider.

Fire Legal Liability

I once worked at a benefit auction where a centerpiece started to burn.  Thankfully, it was only starting to smoke when it was extinguished by the startled guests!  A fire legal liability insurance policy is for such instances.  Assume your auction volunteers accidentally bump a table and cause a can of sterno to ignite nearby curtains and burn down the venue.  This is the policy to have on hand.

Event Cancellation

If you are holding a benefit auction outdoors and fear bad weather might cause the cancellation of the event, this policy protects against unforeseen circumstances such as that.  It may also cover labor disputes or damage to the event facility or venue.  (Imagine if you’d scheduled to hold your benefit auction in the Opryland Hotel in Nashville in late May 2010.  The flood waters of May 3 would have prohibited you from holding the gala.)

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Benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar's stories and advice has been published in publications (e.g. Town & Country, The Washington Post Magazine, AUCTIONEER, The Eleusis, The Virginia Auctioneer) and heard on 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 Red Apple Auctions.

Volunteering + Reflection = Powerfully Engaged | Realized Worth

This article was originally posted on Realizing Your Worth, the Realized Worth blog -- a leading source for Workplace Volunteering and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) best practices and opinion leadership. Please welcome today's guest, Chris Jarvis.  Chris takes on the power of reflection in corporate volunteering programs.  We like his insights and think his ideas for creating an engaged workforce through the process of reflection can also be applied to other kinds of volunteer teams -- student groups, civic teams, parent-school teams, etc.

*****

Corporate Volunteering is mostly about activity - unfortunately. Like presenting a dozen roses on Valentine's Day to someone who doesn't want them, activity is worthless when its missing the regular practice of reflection.

Why do companies implement employee volunteering programs (EVPs)? I mean, really - why bother?

Most of us have heard at least bits and pieces of the long list of benefits that are said to accompany a solid EVP. For example, employees who volunteer are naturally more engaged overall with their jobs. The companies these kinds of employees work at experience 26% higher revenue per employee, 13% total higher total returns to shareholders, and a 50% higher market premium. (Read the article where these stats came from here.) Here's bunch more from the typical list:

Benefits of Corporate Volunteering:

• Improved community perception and marketing potential 
• Creation of positive culture of caring and community service 
• Improved communications as people from different sites, departments and levels of seniority work together on social community initiatives
• A license to operate through the approval of local community by the demonstration of good social policy practice
• Improved relationships with customers who increasingly demand information about corporate-citizenship activities
• More effective networking through community links
• Improved morale and motivation
• Lower staff turnover (which attracts and maintains good employees)
• Better company relations
• Positive effect on productivity
• Greater employee fulfillment
• Skill and ability increase for employees
• Reduced absenteeism and fewer labour stoppages
• Personal and professional growth which strengthens the workforce

Basically, the idea is that corporate volunteering begets engaged employees. And for companies who want to be seen as credible in their CSR strategy, employees are key. Especially lately - because lately, CSR is not just "nice to have." Lately, customers have started to expect your business to be socially responsible. When you want to influence your customer, where should you start? Your employees. It all circles back to the employees. (Read more about this in our interview with Carol Cone of Edelman.)

There is one, vital ingredient for realizing all these excellent benefits: Reflection.

Reflection

Reflection is the process of analyzing, questioning or reconsidering experiences within some type of framework (for example, poverty or homelessness). Reflection happens naturally immediately following any new activity as participants walk away, drive home, or discuss around the water cooler.

Despite the fact that we all reflect on our experiences to some degree or another, meaningful reflection (the kind that motivates change) is not always natural or easy. Sometimes we don’t know enough the issues to reflect on them in a meaningful way. Other times, we're busy and there’s just not a lot of time to just sit and consider what we’ve experienced. More often than not, we just don’t want to look stupid. Discussion is an important aspect of reflection and there's always a chance that in the course of conversation, we'll reveal how much we don't know. As colleagues, our lack of information is often the last thing we want to show each other.

But no reflection means no benefit. So, let's look at how to create safe and intentional space for critical reflection:

1. Hold casual “round table” meetings with everyone who volunteered to hear about their experience (I included some ideas for round table questions below.)
2. Have volunteer leaders present at a "Lunch & Learn" and explain what they did and why it was meaningful
3. Create social gatherings over lunch (or better yet, after work over beer) where employees can talk about volunteering with other employees who may be curious or want to share their concerns
4. Have volunteers write short blogs or use twitter to send out micro-blogs about their experiences. Be sure to have them invite questions and more dialogue on their thoughts.
5. Work with HR to incorporate reflection on these activities during performance reviews
6. Invite employees to include quotes or short blurbs about their experiences for the annual CSR report.

Here are some basic questions you may want to ask as part of a roundtable discussion to guide reflection:

1. Was your volunteering experience what you expected? 
2. Did you learn anything about yourself?
3. What kinds of things did you discover about the community you were working in?
4. What do you think your personal contributions were to the volunteering experience?
5. Have any of your values, opinions, beliefs been influenced by volunteering?
6. What is your biggest takeaway?
7. How have you been challenged?
8. What changes are you considering for yourself?

And if you'd like just a little more guidance toward reflective learning, here are a couple helpful sites:

A manual for facilitating reflection: http://www.uvm.edu/~dewey/reflection_manual/

The theory behind reflection: http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/fact_sheets/he_facts/he_reflection/

Introduction to developing reflective practice:

http://www.ukcle.ac.uk/resources/personal-development-planning/introduction

*****

Chris Jarvis is a leading CSR blogger and speaker who works with companies to help them connect with their communities. Chris co-founded Realized Worth with his partner, Angela Parker, to help companies create outstanding corporate volunteering programs and utilize social media to create authentic and engaging conversations.

Together these 2 elements give companies the power and relevance of action and dialogue; involvement and storytelling; "the walk and the talk." 

Chirs can be found on Twitter at @RealizedWorth and vlogging as the exclusive Canadian representative of 3BLMedia. 3BLMedia works with organizations to tell their CSR, Sustainability and Cause Marketing stories across the social web.

Online Potluck Sign Up Sheet with Reminders

Organize Online Potluck Sign Ups | Sign Up Saturday

Have you ever been to a potluck and there were 4 cheese and cracker trays and no entrees? Or several casseroles and no forks?  Planning a gathering for a lot of people requires just that, planning! Whether you're organizing a teacher appreciation luncheon, Thanksgiving potluck, family reunion, church social or company picnic -- VolunteerSpot is here to help make the process a breeze.

With free and easy online sign up sheets and reminders, everyone can sign up to contribute a dish, say what they're bringing, and prepare for a fun and fabulous gathering!

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Potluck Sign Up (Organizers):  Use our Quick List Builder to set up your potluck signup in minues, see how in our video here >>

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Online Potluck Sign Up Sheet (Participant View):  Guests choose their items, signing up from a computer or smartphone. Interactive comments let guests share what they're bringing, ask questions of organizers, and plan with each other.  Customizable automated remindershelp everyone remember their commitment!

Tips for setting up your Potluck:

• Leave space on either side of the food serving table(s) allowing for two flows of traffic - it will keep the line moving and feed hungry mouths faster!

• Provide napkins and flatware first!  If you do not have tables set, simply place napkins and flatware at the beginning of a food serving table ensuring folks won't forget them!

• Place drinks and desserts on a separate table as most eaters will have to set down their meal plate where they sit before grabbing drinks or more food  - it leaves space at the main entree table as well.

• Plan a fun activity during the meal wrap up that will engage folks over coffee and dessert; something as simple as asking folks to share their first jobs, share their most embarrassing moment, and so forth.  Makes for a fun and memorable meal!

• Double check your sign up sheet. Did you include these items:

    Appetizer

    Main dish (with meat)

    Main dish (vegetarian)

    Green salad

    Fruit Salad

    Pasta Salad

    Vegetable side dish

    Breads and rolls

    Dessert

    Plates, cups and napkins

    Utensils and serving pieces

    Table cloths

    Table decorations

    Pitchers for water

    Soda or juice beverages

    Adult beverages (beer and wine)

    Extra folding tables and chairs

Now that you're all setup, get cooking! Check out amazingly delicious potluck recipes on our popular Pinterest board, click here.

Happy Potluck!

 

Also see: 

8 Creative Potluck Food Card Ideas

6 Potluck Favorites Folks Love

 

 

VolunteerSpotlight: Jill Oldenburg, Olson Elementary PTA Parent, Bloomington MN

  
In 2009, Jill Oldenburg felt a calling to help her community "Go Green". She started the Live and Learn Green program at Olson Elementary School, and used VolunteerSpot's free online signup sheets to coordinate volunteers for Community Outreach, Energy Conservation Awareness, Earth Friendly Pollution Control, E-Waste Recycling, Juice Pouch Collection, Cookie Wrapper Collection, and more!

Today, our VolunteerSpotlight shines on Jill Oldenburg, who strives to help her school and community Waste Less, and Recycle More.

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What's your role within the PTA and what programs have you helped launch?

I am the Chair of Olson Elementary School PTA's Learn Green committee.  In 2009, I launched the Learn Green program to teach students, staff and families about reducing waste and recycling more.  In the past two years, our committee has received grants to facilitate programs such as last year's "Waste Less, Recycle More" challenge, among many others.  Our committee volunteers work on projects and events such as monthly newsletters, Walk/Bike to SchoolDay, prize and contest coordination, green craft projects and more.

How else do you volunteer?

I am a marketing consultant so I often do pro bono work relevant to my skills and I volunteer at our church helping with Vacation Bible School and Sunday services.  Of course, I also spend a lot of time at my kids' school for all kinds of volunteering from reading groups to carnivals!

How did you get interested in volunteering?

I've always felt very grateful for my family, friends and the life I live so I've tried not to take it all for granted. Since there is so much need in the world, I've never seen a time in my life where there wasn't a volunteering opportunity nearby.

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

You can experience more gratitude in your own life from volunteering and making a conscious effort to volunteer for those things that are especially important to you and your family. Doing so will make a big difference in your life and in the life of others.

Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?

I like to be current on technology that can make life and work easier so I thought I'd give it a try. 

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To learn more about Jill and her efforts to Go Green, visit http://gogreengoddess.com/home.html

We salute Jill Oldenburg and all the other parents out there making a difference in our communities. 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].

Housework a.k.a. :: Chore Wars | Tidy Thursday

by ~ April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach

Housework ... a.k.a. :: Chore Wars - no, I'm not proposing a new reality TV series ~ I'm calling it like it is for so many households. How to get children to do chores any time of the year is a challenge and most families surrender to the chaos during back to school as it is. This week I want to give you a little guidance on how to get back on track without the typical nagging, yelling or worse - ultimatums.

Talking about chores here on Tidy Thursday is nothing new, last year I walked you through Chores, a different kind of volunteering by explaining Age Appropriate Chores and giving a few tidy tips. For back to school, getting kiddos to do their assigned chore list is a little less about the how and more about he why.

Let's take a look:

Why some kids do chores and others don't:

Currency.

Yes, it really is that simple. When I say currency most adults go straight to the dollar signs. I encourage you to think outside the box though.

Currency to a child can mean a multitude of things

• social time with friends, outside of school
• quality time with parents
• a reward like a new pet or special family trip
• music, iTunes cards or time on Pandora / Spotify
• movies, heading to the theatre or having a new release date night at home
• a day off from allocated chores

Now, that's not to say children don't want cash. They do. Once they understand it's value.

What adults struggle with most when it comes to a child doing a chore is motivation. What motivates your kiddo? In order to understand that, you need to understand their currency.

Asking a child what type of rewards they would like can spark a great conversation.

Lifestyle & Payment:

Sticking to the system can often be the rug pulled out from any good intentions.

Life is busy and hectic. I get it. But if you want those children of yours to pitch in they need to know they can count of the system working.

For example ~

You've gone to all the effort of having the conversations regarding a chore list, rewards and timing expectations.

Now, it's mid-week and you're at the end of your energy tank. But the kids have done their end of the bargain ~ completed their chores ~ and they are waiting on you to pay up.

Whether you promised a half hour on the computer or brushing tangles out of long hair, the ball is in your court.

And being too tired to do your part is not an option.

How do you avoid this? Planning. Don't offer rewards you know you can't deliver. Or worse, won't have the patience or energy to deliver.

Outline payment to fit your lifestyle. If Sunday evening is when everyone is back together and getting ready for the week ahead, then plan to dole out payments then.

Staying on top of the housework as a family takes a team effort. And you are the coach. 

Mostly, remember, change is difficult in the beginning. Keeping the adjusted systems in the forefront of your mind is critical during the learning process. Eventually things will smooth out, just not on their own.

I'd love to know more!

Join me on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and share your Housework {aka} Chore Wars stories, struggles or renewed motivation from the tips above

 

Keepin it Tidy,

April

 

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.

My School My Way | Wrap Up & Thank You

Across the nation kids are officially "BACK TO SCHOOL"!

Moms (and dads!) around the country are collectively releasing a giant sigh. Here at VolunteerSpot headquarters we are proud to have brought you 30+ bloggers who shared the good (and the guilty) of all things School-Parent Volunteering!

Please help us thank the WHOLE list of bloggers involved on our Roll Call.

We set out to host a diverse buffet of voices.

Bloggers support THEIR school... THEIR WAY.

Including:

• The uber mom volunteer who steps up and presides over her school's PTA or PTO.
• The mom who is scared just a little bit because it's her child's first year in school and fearful what that will bring!
• The mom who has done it all, seen it all and is ready to let someone else DO IT FOR A WHILE!
• Even the dad who spends time in the classroom... because he can.

And all the mom's in-between...

Three themes emerged from our cornucopia of bloggers.

Guilt

Moms seem to be made of it. We always worry that we aren't doing enough. That we could be doing more. We worry that one more pan of brownies should have been made, that one more hour of mystery reading should have fit in our lunchtime or one more school carnival should be notched on our belt.

But what's more important is that we take stock of what's most important in our own families, right now. No one argues that you should do more if it doesn't fit with your family.

{Support your school your way: In a way that works for your family, right now.}

Creative Solutions

Many bloggers shared that the knew what they could NOT do and instead of refusing to do anything, jumped in and found a creative way to volunteer that made sense for them.

Volunteer from home, make sure your kids are well fed, and well prepared for school each day, sometimes the small things mean more to your kid and your school in the long run.

{Support your school your way: By remembering that small things are still worth doing. }

Dedication

So many parents tackle time consuming volunteer jobs and do it with little fanfare or praise. We understand that not everyone can lead the PTA year after year. But to those who run school events, step up to help fundraise and  lead by example, we stand up and salute you.

We see your passion for volunteering and we see you use your skills and talents for the betterment of all kids not just your own.

{Support your school your way: By letting your passions lead the way.}

From the whole team at VolunteerSpot, WE THANK YOU!

You've inspired us all to take {personally} meaningful action and SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS!

 

Click to see the whole shebang of Parent Voices in the I Support My School... My Way series!

***

VolunteerSpot's FREE online signup sheets make it easy to organize parents and signup to help for just about anything: classroom helpers, snack schedules, carnivals, library volunteers, parent-teacher conferences and more.... No more 'Reply-All' email chains or clipboard sign up sheets! Please share with your room mom, teachers and parent leaders…

   

 Enter Now

You could WIN $500 in school supplies for your favorite school!

 

Give your Fall Fundraiser a BIG Boost with Social Media

Raise More Money and Boost Turnout with Social Media

What's your school's big fall fundraiser? A carnival, fall festival, auction, wrapping paper sale? Whatever it is, social media tools like facebook and twitter can rally parents, extend your reach, recognize sponsors and boost profits!

This is the fifth post in our series about activating your school -parent group through social media. We've covered power facebook tips and Twitter tips for PTAs and PTOs, and how to recognize volunteers using social channels. Let's put it all together in creating a Social Media Plan for big events.  

Creating a Social Media Plan

As you're planning your big event, put some dedicated thought into how you will use social media before, during and after the event. Think about what you will post and who will post it.  Enroll your inner-circle of parent leaders who are already using social media to particiapte as a way to show early traction. Not only is a school carnival or auction a terrific opportunity to engage parents and your community online, you can also attract new parents to your online communities during these events.

Facebook

4-5 Weeks before the event:

• Make announcements about ticket sales

• Setup the "Event" using the Event App on your school facebook page and invite the school's fans to the event. This way parents RSVP-ing to the event will feed to their facebook pages and their friends will see they're attending. Make note that this RSVP does not take the place of an actual registraiton - but 'likes' to the school carnival will certainly boost visibility to the event. {To setup an event,login as an administrator, click "Edit Page" then "Apps" then choose "Events".}

1-3 weeks before the event:

• Post teasers about the event sharing fun details about entertainment, food options, activities and ask poll questions to build interest.

• Post links to online fundraising partners so parents who can't come in person can donate or make a purchase online.
• Thank community and corporate sponsors with links to their businesses. First login as the school's website and 'like' the partner's facebook page.  Then when you mention their company name in the post details, it will also post to their facebook page so they see it.
• Put out additional calls for volunteers.  Make it actionable with links to the volunteer interest signup sheet on VolunteerSpot.

Week-of the event:

• Post last-minute information, calls for volunteers and important details. 
• Post links to ticket sales and donation links.
• Thanks sponsors.
• Post a bonus teaser in take-home news: "Like" us on facebook for last-minute ticket bonus and special carnival prize information".  Then followup by announcing a 'secret' prize or booth surprise for facebook fans.  "Facebook fans get 10 bonus tickets, use codeword "facebook fan" to claim your prize at the ticket booth!
• Create "Like us on facebook" posters with the school's facebook address.  Consider using a free QR Code so parents with smartphones can grab all contact information quickly.

During the event:

• Announce the event is starting so parents who may have forgotten can quickly adjust.
• Coach volunteers to encourage parents to join the online communities. E.g. "While you're waiting in line, it's a perfect time to pull out your smartphone and "Like" East Elementary on Facebook."
• Offer special bonuses for parents who show they 'like' the school on their smartphone. E.g. "Like"us and get a 10 bonus tickets! 

Day after the event:

• Post fun photos of parents in action and invite parents to also post their photos. {Avoid photos of kid's faces without permission. Tag parents so the photos show up on their facebook pages too.}
• Thank volunteers for their participation. See these 5 Sensational Social Media Recognition Ideas.
• Thanks sponsors.

Within a week of the event

• Post the results of the event.  Include how many people attended and how much money was raised, and also fun statistics like number of hot dogs consumed or pounds of ice-cream eaten.
• Seek feedback. Post a link to a formal online survey from Survey Monkey, or use the Question feature on your facebook page to find out parent's most and least favorite booths, what they liked, and what they would like to see changed for next year.

Twitter

The Twitter campaign will follow similar steps to the facebook time-line, but limited to 150 characters. The same guidelines apply for announcing tickets, posting items of interest, bonuses and acknowledging sponsors and volunteers. A few additional suggestions:

• Create and publish a hashtag to identify the event.  Publicize it in all printed event materials before and during the event and put it on posters so parents using Twitter tag their tweets to the event.  E.g.: #EastElemCarnival  #EastElemAuction

• When thanking sponsors and volunteers be sure to use their proper Twitter handle so they see you thanking them and have an opportunity to tweet back, e.g:

Thanks @GroceryStory, we're having a Gr8 day at #EastElemCarnival because of you!

 Don't miss Principal A. in the dunking booth at 2pm! Big fun @ #EastElemCarnival. Thx 2 r sponsor @GroceryStore!

@MildyManicMom - you rocked the cakewalk! Thx for baking BIG for #EastElemCarnival! <link to photo>

We hope these social suggestions make your event more fun and profitable and boost your online communities.  This is all so new and we know your parent groups will get even more creative than these suggestions. Please let us know what you try and learn over on our VolunteerSpot facebook page.  Happy Fundraising!

***

VolunteerSpot's FREE online signup sheets make it easy to organize parents and signup to help for just about anything: school carnivals and auctions, classroom helpers, snack schedules, library volunteers, parent-teacher conferences and more.... No more 'Reply-All' email chains or clipboard sign up sheets! 

 ***

 You may also like:

Activate the Parent Community at Your School with Social Media

Facebook Power Tips for School-Parent Groups

10 Twitter Tips for Savvy Schools and PTAs

5 Sensational Social Media Recognition Ideas

In Remembrance of September 11th

We Remember and Serve

Today, on this National Day of Service and Remembrance, we honor the victims, heroes and all those who rose in service following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which forever changed our nation.  We give back in memory of those who lost and gave their lives, remembering their strength, inspired by their sacrifice.

Find opportunities to serve others near you:

HandsonNetwork

PointsofLight Institute

WhiteHouse.gov

 

 

Volunteer Management Software for your School

Why Easy and Free is Best| Sign Up Saturday

One of our most common questions at VolunteerSpot is “How should I set up all the volunteer needs at our school?”  While it may seem like an easy question, deciding how to set up your school volunteer coordination is more Art than Science.  Each school-parent group  has different needs, leadership and organization structures, skill sets and traditions.

VolunteerSpot is ideally suited to accommodate distributed volunteer organization by committee chairs, teachers, room moms, librarians, office coordinators and so on.  Because parent-leaders turn over year after year and parents will volunteer for things that interest them or that their kids are involved in, it’s important to have an easy-to-use volunteer management solution that quickly funnels parents to the most relevant opportunities. In most schools, we have found that parents volunteer for three types of assignments; in their child’s classroom, for a committee, and for a large school event. 

Many organizers ask us whether they should put all of their school needs on one centralized Activity calendar.  We do not recommend this unless you have dedicated staff to contiually monitor the calendar and a very, very small school with limited needs.

• Classroom Volunteering 
• • For classroom needs, we recommend the teacher or room parent set up the schedule of needs for their classroom (tip: skip the clipboard huddle at Back to School Night).  They can then send a Personal Invitation to each of the parents of students in their class. For shared duties like 3^rd grade recess, one room parent can setup the calendar for all the grade’s parents.
• • 
• Committees
  
  • • Many schools ask for parents to choose a committee for the school year.  It can be for Lunchroom volunteers, Science Lab volunteers, Library volunteers, Art Room volunteers, etc. For this set of volunteer needs, we recommend that you send a URL Link Invitation to each parent in the school and ask them complete a Volunteer Interest Sign up Sheet/Committee Picker.  Many times, this is done during the summer months or at the very beginning of the school year.
     
• 
  
  • Another option is to post Web Buttons for each committee's signup sheet/signup calendar and have parents choose how and when they would like to help.
  •   
    
    
     
  • School-wide Events:
    To recruit volunteers for school-wide events -- such as carnivals, field-days, auction,walkathons -- you can post Web Buttons or use a URL links in a newsletter, school website, or other school-wide mailing to recruit volunteers.  For more information on planning large events, please see these articles in our Help system:

    How do I set up a Carnival, Festival, Race or Large Event in VolunteerSpot?

    How do I set up multiple shifts and booths for a Carnival or Festival?

     

    VolunteerSpot is for EVERYTHING you organize…

    Booster clubs, concession stands, team snacks, tournaments, swim meets, Scout campouts, Sunday School, meals circles, charity walkathons and more!                                                                                                                                                               Please Tell Your FRIENDS!