Moms Talk: What Would Happen if Parents Stopped Volunteering in Schools?

"Stop me before I volunteer again..."

 So reads a magnet on my fridge that sits exactly at my eye level.  I read it every day.  Sometimes I even incorporate the philosophy into my real, actual life.  Not often, though.

A few days ago, I was congratulating myself on having drastically reduced my volunteering.  Before I knew it, I was meeting with the principal of one of my child's schools about playground improvements. After that meeting, I ended up promising to donate and load an iPod with music to be played during the lunches, and offering to be the point person for anyone willing to volunteer helping in the cafeteria.  What???

 Catonsville schools are a great source of pride – rightly so!  Sometimes, though, it feels like we volunteer with a vengeance.  My question to you is, what would happen if parents stopped volunteering in our schools?   

Don’t answer so fast.  It’s easy to list the things we’d lose.  Feel free to do that, but don’t be afraid to consider (and…gasp… say it out loud!) what we’d gain – from the practical to the philosophical.

 One more thing – I know this column is called “Mom’s Talk,” but I encourage any member of our community (and beyond) to consider and comment.  Dads, grandparents, teachers, second-graders, and local business owners alike have something valuable to contribute to this discussion, too!  Ready?  Go!