a lesson in volunteering

Recently, I became a volunteer with 826LA. I quickly signed up for my first project. I didn’t know what to expect. I will admit, I had never done this before and worried I wouldn’t do so well. I also thought that if it didn’t meet my expectations, I could always walk away… who would care…HA! Instead, I walked away from my six week project with a few lessons under my belt.

First, the summary of the project:
Fourth-graders at Cienega Elementary research, write, and create a map detailing their views of Los Angeles. Focusing on the theme, “Claiming Our Place,” students will explore this essential question: “How is space claimed?” They will investigate the answers to this question through small group discussion and writing time with 826LA tutors, then write personal narratives in a slam-poetry style on one particular landmark. The project will culminate in a multimedia gallery exhibition at the Natural History Museum.

And now:

What I learned from my first volunteer project with 826LA.

1.) The history of Los Angeles: If you have never gone, or it’s been a long time, I think you should all visit the Natural History Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits. We have a lot of history in this town and it is not all about the entertainment industry. I also learned that tar (asphalt) is fun to play with, there are secret rooms in the history museum (that we got to see), and there are edible plants all around us. Most of the museums around this town are hidden gems. If you have an ounce of interest in history, science, Los Angeles, these are amazing places to go!

2.) There are teachers that really, really care: I don’t know if Ms. Lefkowitz is a diamond in a sea of stones, or one of many. What I do know is that she is an amazing teacher, and I pray that all teachers have an ounce of her spirit. I watched as she asked questions, got them to pay attention when they were a little too excited and cared for each child, as an individual. She participated in a way I have not seen in the past, and I was inspired. As a result, I think the next thing I learned happened….

3.) That children are eager to learn: We went into this classroom twice a week to have kids write. And, you know what… they did. We had discussions about space and community and the environment and they fully participated. The kids were excited to answer questions and think and be engaged. I saw their minds churn as they practiced their skill of critical thinking. They recognized themselves as an individual and as part of a community.

4.) That “OMG” should not be in a monologue: This is kind of an inside joke… but I think we can all agree that it is true.

5.) That the students help each other: My favorite part of some days was when one child asked how to spell something and five children answered back. When someone was asked to read their essay, everyone quieted down and listened. If someone was having trouble, another child picked up a pencil and helped them out. I didn’t experience this in my childhood. I don’t know if it is a cultural difference or something taught or comes from their heart… I don’t care. It was amazing to see 9 and 10 year olds helping other 9 and 10 year olds. Because I got some sense that, they get the sense that, when one succeeds they all succeed.

6.) That those who seem weak actually are the most courageous: Again, not going to share many details about this except to say that kids amaze me in their resilience and strength. They may be young, but some of them already have a lot on their plate. They deal with it. And one or two look the obstacle right in the face and say…. “Uh-uh, today you aren’t going to get me down!” I watched as confidence bloomed before my eyes and a light that didn’t exist before was ignited.

7.) That I think I need to volunteer, more than the kids need me to: I went in thinking I could help some children. I walked away having been helped more than I can express. I saw that in helping them with their writing, I became a better writer. In wanting to give them confidence, I gained confidence. In wanting to show them someone cared, I learned that they cared for me, in return. I learned that when they beamed with pride, I beamed with pride. When they were scared, I was scared and we got through it together and we each learned from our fear. I walked away understanding that the heart needs to have connection, no matter what simple form that may come in. So, I think I walked away from this as the unfair victor. Those kids may not remember me in 2, 5, 10 or 20 years… but, I will remember them.

Thank you to the entire class and a special hello to my group…

And, to my readers, please take the time to volunteer. It can be in a school, or a soup kitchen, or a freeway clean up. I know that we all think we are so busy and don’t have time to share. But, you do. I ask you to not sit in front of the television one night, don’t go out drinking with your friends, or have lunch with a co-worker; take that time to go help someone. One hour to you can make a world of difference to someone else. And, seriously, I know it does sound silly but volunteering is an amazingly selfish act, when you think of the benefits to your heart and mind.

volunteer

I have wanted to be an active member of my community by volunteering for a very long time. I just never found the organization that I felt I could be of my best service.

Until last week.

826LA.org is a non profit organization dedicated to teaching kids how to write. They have on site tutorials, workshops, field trips, and much more. It is a wonderful group of people that helps kids and allows them to get published!!

I firmly believe that the if we spend the time now educating children, it will be less time and money needed to fix the problems of the future.

So check them out.