Show You Care--VOLUNTEER | Community Tool Box

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Overview

Representatives associated with United Way of McPherson County created a children’s book focused on volunteerism. The book included discussion questions that could be used by parents, caretakers, teachers and others to facilitate conversation about volunteerism and community service. Bookmarks highlighting local United Way progress provided a supplemental tool for all community members. Ultimately, the initiative was designed to encourage young students to read, to encourage individuals to volunteer and to improve county-wide relationships.

Photo of Second graders refined their reading skills by preparing “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” for readings with senior citizens, which included one-on-one conversations about lifetime volunteer opportunities.

Second graders refined their reading skills by preparing “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” for readings with senior citizens, which included one-on-one conversations about lifetime volunteer opportunities.

Photo of McPherson High School students spent a day presenting the children’s book to elementary students and engaging them in activities to learn more about volunteerism.

McPherson High School students spent a day presenting the children’s book to elementary students and engaging them in activities to learn more about volunteerism.

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Summary of Taking Action

Assessment:
The concept for the “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” Reading Initiative was inspired by research provided by Jenny Wiens, a first grade McPherson teacher. Her graduate project explored and demonstrated the ongoing need for literacy development tools for both children and their parents. Wiens’ research proved children need multiple, interactive and developmentally appropriate experiences to improve their literacy skills. She also noted conversations that elaborate on a story or a life experience will broaden the vocabulary of children.
Wiens introduced a language development program to parents associated with Circles of McPherson County, a United Way partner agency addressing poverty. The curriculum included the 6 by 6 Ready to Read Program developed by Johnson County Library, Johnson County, Kansas, and used statewide by educators and librarians. United Way provided seed money and general support toward Wiens’ graduate project. The “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” Reading Initiative program is an intentional step to complement her efforts.

Planning:
The children’s book associated with the “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” Reading Initiative was first distributed throughout McPherson County using community libraries, preschools and Kindergarten programs. Six libraries are located in McPherson County and provide varying levels of toddler time activities. All libraries committed to helping United Way and hosted a reading session during toddler time. Librarians facilitated conversation about volunteerism and community involvement, and FREE books were distributed to more than 100 children. Similar arrangements were made with county-wide preschools with more than 200 children from ten preschools receiving books. Distribution plans included county-wide Pre-K and Kindergarten programs, which reached families of all socio-economic situations and included both public and private educational institution. Books were also shared with the Milestones Ahead program, which was the inspiration for the project.

School districts requested the program be expanded to include first through fifth graders. Thus, United Way recruited donors to fund the $6,000 needed to print additional books. The task was simple as community members were familiar with the project and supportive of the reading initiative. Five thousand books were printed and distributed to students at nine elementary schools. Books were also donated to doctor offices, churches and United Way partner agencies. Remaining books will be donated to the Chamber of Commerce office in each community to be included in welcome bags as new residents join the community.

Taking Action
United Way volunteers traveled throughout the county and conducted reading sessions at public libraries, preschools and elementary schools. Reading sessions included a challenge to each group to engage in a community service project. The outcome included more than 25 service projects orchestrated by children.

Evaluation:
United Way of McPherson County promotes change that can be accomplished through broad community participation and collaboration. Agency representatives witnessed many projects created as a result of the readings associated with “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER.” Groups documented their projects with pictures and summaries. The reading initiative engaged many individuals and offered an educational tool for children and adults to use throughout McPherson County. The project supported an important action – volunteerism – which is an integral component for community growth. In addition, the project fostered new relationships and provided opportunity to inform all McPherson County communities about the ongoing work associated with United Way of McPherson County. Students gained an invaluable reading tool in the process.

Sustaining the Work
The “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” Reading Initiative established new relationships for United Way throughout McPherson County. The project also supported early childhood reading and inspired youth to engage in community activities. The final result? United Way is establishing a “Show You Care” book series and will produce an annual children’s book to share with the community. Topics and themes will be determined by teachers. The next book is in progress and will be entitled “Show You Care – BE KIND.” A similar distribution and discussion process will be initiated to maintain community connections and to encourage early childhood literacy.
Award dollars received from the Community Tool Box will be designated toward supporting the “Show You Care” book series.

Impact/Results

Individuals throughout McPherson County were challenged to engage in volunteer opportunities. Children’s lives were transformed as they were challenged to create service projects. Teachers connected with community partners to facilitate the designated projects. United Way developed new relationships and exposure as staff and board members assisted with project. Community members benefited from services provided by various projects. Intergenerational relationships were enhanced through project connections. Community spirit and pride was elevated.

The United Way calendar demonstrates the numerous locations and situations where the project was introduced. Pictures and summaries document the project in process. Project reports solidify community needs and how children chose to address those needs.