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Our Values and Collaboration

Be A Good Neighbor

This widely recognized approach to people and relationships encourages seeking the welfare of the other person through our actions and attitudes. It is the Great Commandment of Jesus, loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Listen Before Acting

In partnering to meet the needs of others, listening to what their unique needs are, and then creatively addressing them is important and shows them that they are valued.

Cooperate First, Create Second

In many instances existing programs, initiatives or groups may have a history of engagement. In these cases cooperation is encouraged. Where unmet needs exist then creating something new may be necessary. In creating something new the hope would be to construct a model that could be replicated in other places.

Relationships Over Resources

While resources are necessary and helpful, the greatest resource is human time and touch. Valuing relationships with an eye on longterm engagement is always preferable. Resources can help in fostering and supplementing relationships.

Help People Say Yes

96% of Americans report volunteering makes them happier. Volunteering adds tangible dollar value ($25.15 per hour in Texas) into our communities. Providing easy, accessible, and meaningful ways to volunteer with many on ramps is vital both relationally and monetarily.

Levels of Volunteering

Not every person or organization has the same ability or opportunity to engage in volunteering. Also, every volunteering role does not require the same amount of time be it in preparation, skill set needed, or physical time present. Identifying and matching the needs and opportunities with those who can best meet those needs and opportunities is very important.

One approach to this is by categorizing the level, skills, and time needed to complete various volunteering opportunities by using the terms wading, swimming, and diving. Each term corresponding with the amount of preparation time, skill level needed, time required, and leadership expectation desired. These categories can guide everyone to an appropriate volunteer expression based on their particular circumstances. An example of these categories and some possible generic volunteering roles/activities would be:

Wading

Minimal advance preparation, one time or low frequency of times required, good entry level, flexible. These might be a speaker at a career day, field trip volunteer, teacher appreciation day, provide snacks, or occasional door greeter.

Swimming

Some advance preparation, regular frequency of volunteering, some training required, good regular volunteer role. These might be joining or supporting a PTA, office volunteer, reading buddy, lunch room or playground duty, or regular door greeter.

Diving

Advanced preparation needed, regular frequency of volunteering, training required, leadership and supervisory opportunities, greater amount of time. These might be mentoring or tutoring students, or serving on a school leadership team.