Life Skills: Volunteerism

Ask the Experts by Suzanne Klein, PhD

Q.  I am the parent of a middle and high school student who are both engaged in the academic challenge of school but I would also like to instill the value of volunteering and helping others.  Is it important for students at this age to be part of some volunteer work?  What community resources can you suggest?

A. Indeed, Community Service can be a powerful learning experience as it provides another opportunity for students to develop valuable life skills while engaging in a project that gives meaning and purpose to their lives. 

Time travel for a moment.  What were the experiences you most remember from elementary, middle and high school?  One study of graduate students revealed a particular teacher, a field trip learning experience and recess were often in the top ten responses.  Of the thousands of hours spent in school, students frequently recall particular teachers and especially the lessons tied to real life experiences.  What's interesting is this same connection and excitement  lasts into adulthood for projects, experiences and careers where our motivation to learn more, do it better, or help others takes over and we immerse ourselves in finding a solution or meeting a challenge.   

What is the impact of doing community service on the volunteer? The Corporation for National and Community Service (2006) found that students who participated in high quality service experiences thought they could make a great deal of difference in their communities, reported feeling good about giving back and saw their place in a wider social world. Adults who volunteer also reported high levels of happiness, life satisfaction, a sense of control over their lives and were in better physical health than those who did not volunteer. 

Why does a community service experience have that effect? A student volunteer experience is about learning how they can make a difference in meeting community needs while at the same time providing opportunities to learn teamwork, planning, time management and satisfaction for a job well done. Daniel Pink offers an interesting perspective in his book, Drive.   Human beings, according to Pink, "by their nature seek purpose - a cause greater and more enduring than themselves."

How do our students, families as well as staff learn about what community service opportunities are available? As a result of a generous gift from The Anne R. Hudson Fund to the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education, the district's SERVE project, active at both high schools, provides an umbrella resource center that identifies volunteer opportunities.  SERVE aims to be the bridge which brings students together with meaningful opportunities for service in our community and throughout the state.
 The Spirit of Giving event on November 16 is a way to learn about opportunities for service to 80 organizations and learn more about the district's SERVE project.  All are welcome!

Dr. Suzanne Klein is a graduate of the University of Michigan, having received a B.S., M.S. and PhD. there.  As a member of the staff in the Grosse Pointe Public Schools, she has served as a teacher in the special education department, Assistant Principal of Pierce and Parcells Middle Schools, Principal of Pierce Middle School, Director of Instructional Services, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent.  She was appointed Superintendent of Schools in 1997, having served first as interim superintendent.   Dr. Klein received the Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University of Michigan in April, 2008 and was recently recognized as Region 9 Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of School Administrators.  Dr. Klein serves on the Advisory Council of The Family Center.  She may be reached at 313.432.3003.

Save The Date

SPIRIT OF GIVING

Presented by SERVE in partnership with The Family Center and Beaumont Community Health Coalition
Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 7pm
Grosse Pointe South High School - Main Gym (11 Grosse Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms.  
No Fee
For information about this event, please contact Alicia Carlisle, SERVE coordinator at Grosse Pointe Public Schools, 313.432.3770 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Over a Decade of Commitment to Community Families Since 2000
The Family Center serves as the community's hub for information, resources and referral for both families and professionals. The Family Center is a non-profit organization founded to promote a deeper understanding of the role of parents and others in supporting our youth to become competent, caring and responsible community members.

All gifts are tax-deductible.
To volunteer or contribute, visit www.familycenterweb.org, call (313) 432.3832.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to: The Family Center
20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.