Tim, what's wrong with alittle guilt! I don't agree that the poem is intended to make anyone feel guilty but to do as jonwilson and backhoed have stated, to maybe start some inner reflection. But if it's guilt that one may feel, so be it. If we can get you there, let you see how much you are needed and appreciated. Hopefully you may even have fun, meet some great parents, teachers and kids...you're then "one of us" Sometimes it's not how we get them there as long as they come! No barbs intended!
Exactly meant to be thought provoking as JonWilson said. We have all been in the position too many times where a gentle nudge is needed. We have also all been in the position where people who don't do anything do nothing but criticize about the ones who do come to the plate. It simply says think about making a contribution.... let's all pitch in.
Tim,
I have seen times like backhoed described. But I don't think that that is what the poem says. I personally like the poem. It doesn't guilt anyone, just asks the questions that provoke inward thought. Reflection can be enought to start discussions that prevent disillusion.
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I might take some barbs for this, but I don't like the poem.
I absolutely understand where it's coming from. All the great volunteers who frequent this forum would love more help and deserve more help.
BUT....
Chastising parents in any way or trying to "guilt them into it" isn't the way to go. Growing involvement for the long-term is all about making volunteering rewarding and fun. You guys -- the "super volunteers" -- volunteer because you know it's so good for the kids and the school.
Most people, though, aren't you guys.
Guilt might work on someone one time. But it's not a recipe for building involvement long-term. If you guilted me into volunteering once, I'd then do everything I could to avoid you from that point on (lest I be guilted again).
Better to create fun events that people want to come to. From there, you'll be in a position to recruit a few parents. Another event, a few more parents. Before you know -- noticeably greater involvement.
I call it "moving people from spaghetti eaters (average parents) to spaghetti cookers (a sometime volunteer) to spaghetti dinner planners (you guys)."
It doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't happen by guilt.
No barbs intended! 