In Praise of Those Who Step Forward

Today I went to the Parents Council celebratory lunch for Carter’s school.  All parents at the school are part of the parents council by virtue of being a parents, but some parents step forward to do a greater share of the volunteering, organizing, fundraising, idea generation, table cloth washing, book sorting, cup cake baking and general fetching and carrying than others.

In today’s world everybody is busy.  I don’t know if I even know anyone who is sitting around eating bon-bons watching soap operas.  Oh, now sometime I wish I could, but I think that is just because I really like the idea of a bon-bon.  I’m not exactly sure I really know what one is, but is sounds like something fattening and forbidden.

Despite how busy everyone is already there are a few people who generously step forward to do a job that they are neither getting paid for nor are getting thanked enough for.  Being President of the Durham Academy Parents Council is one of those jobs.

At our lunch we had a gathering of past and recently elected Presidents who were there to honor our retiring Headmaster, Ed Costello.  Chris Mark, Cindy Sundy, Martha King, Thecky Pappas, Anne Lloyd, Hannah Hannan, Michelle Beischer, Demtra Kontos, and Lisa Ferrari all joined this year’s President Elizabeth Aldridge is presenting Ed with the plaque that will name the Upper School conference room for him.

Collectively this group of women represented many years of selfless volunteerism.  Although the President does not do this job alone, but leads many, she is still the one who has to cajole people to head committees, speaks at Parent gatherings, worries over budgets, fields parent’s concerns and a myriad of other things daily.

Our system for training people for this important job is fairly robust.  Someone, after years of volunteering in key roles, is usually nominated to be the President Elect where she spends a year shadowing the current President learning the ropes.  This generally ensures that once she takes over the role of leader she is comfortable with the job.

Sometimes even robust systems have snags and last year just as the President Elect, Margaret Jones was getting ready to ascend the throne her husband took a job moving them to Minnesota.  Parents Council needed a new President, one who could step into the role without training.  All the stars aligned and Elizabeth Aldridge graciously accepted the challenge and when others might have stepped back she did not.

Elizabeth has led the Parents Association with poise, kindness, respect and good humor.  I think she has been an example to many not to fear taking on a big task.  Certainly no one agrees to volunteer for something looking for praise, especially Elizabeth. But if you know her, consider sending her a message of thanks.  Her willingness to volunteer is a beacon I hope others will follow.  If you currently don’t volunteer in your community, look around and find something small to help do.  You may find it more rewarding than you imagined.