“I love working with children, and want to do more than what I’m doing now.”
According to Tom Murphy, United Federation of Teachers, “[volunteering] is in their DNA… a call to duty… a sense of idealism and social justice.”
Murphy, UFT’s Retired Teachers Chapter Leader, is explaining why retired teachers volunteer in such large numbers, many in their local Assistance League chapters. Retired teachers work hands-on in programs that serve children and adults; and serve as board members and committee chairman, oftentimes wearing more than one hat at a time.
This call to duty, inherent throughout teachers’ careers, takes new and unexpected turns as time allows former educators to broaden their sense of commitment beyond the classroom. Teachers have always supported parents’ efforts to raise their children socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually, and can continue to do so by volunteering for Assistance League.
Operation School Bell® is one several Assistance League programs that serve children by providing school appropriate clothing. Teachers have seen first hand how the lack of proper clothing can affect a child’s self esteem.
Chapters also run food pantries, literacy programs, dental and vision clinics and provide support for abuse and trauma victims. Teachers know that hungry children have a difficult time focusing on their lessons; and that toothaches, hearing or vision impairment and emotional distress all contribute to poor concentration and learning.
As your chapter plans its 2016 recruitment efforts, think about tapping into the education community. Query your membership, call local teacher associations or contact schools where your chapter has a presence to ask for the names of retiring or retired teachers.
Invite teachers to an open house to thank them for their years of teaching and explain how they can continue to serve children as an Assistance League member volunteer or community volunteer. Do you have programs close to their heart? Teachers love literacy. Do you have a thrift shop where they can volunteer? Are they computer savvy? Would they enjoy fundraising – events, grants, or speakers’ bureau – teachers have a lot of experience speaking in front of an audience. No doubt about it, retired retired teachers can continue to make a difference through Assistance League.
