[Dmom3005]

The Gift of Volunteers

by Donna Roberts, Regional Program Specialist


When we consider the gifts of our volunteers, we think of the many years some of them have spent volunteering to help other parents in need. They are using their gifts of "gab" and compassion to listen to our parents and caregivers who are trying to learn to navigate the special education system. This quote describes our volunteers quite accurately:



It is a rare and high privilege to be in a position to help people understand the differences that they can make not only in their own lives but in the lives of others by simply giving of themselves.

~Helen Boosalis



Volunteers use their gift of compassion working through the many problems each parent presents. Sometimes just being a good listener while a parent talks shows they care. Compassion is such an important quality, and it helps the families with their individual cases because they realize they're not alone. I personally have had many parents or caregivers throughout the state tell me how much they appreciate the volunteers. They appreciate the chance to talk to someone who really listens to them about their concerns.



You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man.
~Seth Parker



The gift of organization and managing paperwork is one of the most awesome that a volunteer can have. This includes having specific information available when helping a parent write an email or letter. If interpreting an email from the schools is necessary, our volunteers are the best at finding out what it means (if they don't already know!)



The gift of genius may appear when a volunteer has a special light bulb go on. Many times they've helped a parent identify an elusive qualification for special education through an unusual way. Just being there to point out the way the law should be interpreted so the student qualifies is sometimes invaluable. Helping a parent work through problems during a Case Conference is another gift. I can't tell you how many times I've had a parent tell me there was a big difference just because you were there. Thank you for this!



"Volunteers polish up the rough spots in our communities."
~ Alice Sandstrom



We really love to see our volunteers interact with the public at our Fairs/Workshops because it's so beneficial for both groups of people. It helps the parent to know there are people in the area they can turn to. I believe it also helps you as a volunteer to know you are an integral part of IN*SOURCE.



I would like to send the following thoughts to all the Parent Support Volunteers of IN*SOURCE. We all really appreciate you, and we're sending all Parent Support Volunteers best wishes for a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!



This final quote sums up who you are to parents and IN*SOURCE:



Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
~Leo Buscaglia

[Dmom3005]

This is the article I wrote with someone's help with the quotes.

Thanks to I believe it was Mari. If I'm wrong sorry. But they make
the thanks to our volunteers look so much nicer.

And you made me look so much nicer, as a writer. Thanks

Donna

[butterfly11]

what a lovely article - I'm sure they appreciated it!

[Mari]

Good job, Donna!

I am glad it went well.

M