Mobilizing Volunteers to be Readers, Tutors, and Mentors

The data, analysis, commentary, and strategic planning associated with education is overwhelming in scope and detail at every level – international, federal, state, county, district, grade-level, building, classroom, and even each student. The data is broad and drills deep. What is known in Olmsted County is known most everywhere:

• Education is a fundamental building block of a good life.
• Educational opportunity is linked to long-term prosperity for individuals and communities.
• Education opportunities are not equally available to all.
• Educational achievement is characterized by gaps that reflect racial differences and economic conditions.

In general, across a range of indicators, it is probably safe to say that in Olmsted County we are doing pretty well. Even so, whatever data one chooses to review, there is a long-standing consensus that the current situation falls short of the aspirations we have for our children and the anticipated needs of our community. Though we are doing well, we have the same gaps in opportunity, achievement, and a skilled work-force.

But we do not intend to dwell on well-known challenges. In addition to what we know about these challenges we also know this very important fact:

Volunteers can make the difference. 

Volunteers are making a difference in Olmsted County and we think we can “ramp up” the difference volunteers can make right where we live.

Research shows that caring adults working with kids of all ages—from the early years through high school—can help boost academic achievement. A wide range of local organizations, offer many opportunities to be an education volunteer. Their work reflects a shared commitment to engaging our children. The work of these organizations is critical.

Throughout their school careers, connecting students with as many well trained, supportive adults as possible, both in and out of school, nurtures their strengths and makes sure help is directed where it is most needed.

Readers, tutors, and mentors play an important role in increasing academic success and engagement in learning.

Reading books aloud with children every day not only builds language and pre-literacy skills, but exposes them to new ideas, builds their social/emotional and problem solving skills and inspires them to become lifelong learners.

Tutoring—instructing a child one-on-one or in small groups—has been shown to have positive effects on academic performance, especially with at-risk children experiencing reading problems. The literacy skills and academic supports that children and young people receive through tutoring solidify their efforts toward high school, college and career success.

Mentoring can take a number of forms and include varying goals and outcomes. Community-based mentoring and school-based mentoring have similar objectives around youth success, achievement and self-esteem. Children and youth learn in many aspects of life, so a community web of social, cultural, education and economic resources should be in place to encourage learning. Both community and school-based mentoring have been shown to improve different outcomes for children and youth.

At United Way of Olmsted County, education is a vital focus area, mobilizing volunteers is a growing core of our mission, and advocacy is a strategy we have increasingly employed. Committing resources to this public awareness campaign to mobilize volunteers in education is an important “next step” in building capacity and supporting the work of youth-serving organizations throughout Olmsted County.

The new initiative we are announcing today has two elements: (1) a public awareness and recruitment campaign; and, (2) building network of cooperation, shared learning, and mutual support among organizations serving Olmsted County youth.

In both cases, we are building on foundations that already exist. We are not “re-inventing the wheel”, but we are looking at some new tires.

The public awareness and recruitment campaign has a simple message: 

As a caring adult, you can improve a student’s academic achievement. From cradle to career, a student connected with caring adults does better in school today and builds a better life tomorrow. Be the caring connection a student needs to succeed.

The call to action is direct: 

Volunteer as a reader, tutor, or mentor. 

The United Way Volunteer Center provides an immediate opportunity to initiate that “caring connection” – either online at www.uwolmsted/volunteer; or, by calling 507-287-2000.

We plan a concentrated effort over the next six weeks. Though the public awareness campaign will lighten a bit after that, it will continue throughout the year – and we expect beyond. 

Karen Mathison, President / February 17, 2012