Mayor creates program for Metro employees to volunteer in Schools
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 3, 2010) -Mayor Karl Dean signed an Executive Order today formalizing a new program to allow Metro employees to volunteer in Nashville Public Schools during the work week.
The Executive Order specifies that Metro employees can receive up to 2 hours of paid administrative leave every week for their participation in the program – 1 hour to volunteer and additional time up to an hour for travel to and from the school. The program is intended to generate more hands-on community support in schools by making it easier for thousands of Metro employees to volunteer their time.
“Research has shown that when students are paired up with volunteer tutors or mentors, they are more likely to improve their grades, be more engaged in school, and most importantly, to graduate from high school,” Dean said. “From mentoring and tutoring students, to serving as a classroom aide, to working in the school library, and helping with projects to beautify and enhance our schools, the volunteer opportunities are many and varied. I feel certain any Metro employee with passion for giving will find a place where their talents and knowledge can benefit our schools.”
Dean signed the Executive Order while visiting Warner Elementary in East Nashville. He was joined by Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Dr. Jesse Register and Connie Williams, executive director of the PENCIL Foundation.
The Mayor’s Office of Children & Youth has partnered with PENCIL to manage the volunteer program. The program will start in 10 Metro Schools and grow with demand. PENCIL has already identified specific volunteer needs in the 10 schools and will be responsible for volunteer placement and tracking volunteer hours.
“We are so pleased to work with Mayor Dean as we connect the skills and interests of Metro employees to the needs of our students and schools,” Williams said. “Community-school partnerships are PENCIL’s area of expertise, and we know that caring adults can have an enormous impact on the success of school-age children.”
The 10 schools participating in the initial startup of the program are: Dan Mills Elementary, John Early Middle, Cane Ridge High, Dodson Elementary, East Literature, J.T. Moore Middle, LEAD Academy, Madison Middle, McGavock High and Wharton Elementary.
Metro employees interested in the program can find instructions at Volunteer in Metro Public Schools.
The schools volunteer program is part of a larger effort to increase volunteerism in Nashville. Mayor Dean is a founding member of Cities of Service, a national coalition of city mayors committed to filling needs in their communities by encouraging volunteerism and service. During today’s signing ceremony, Dean called on private sector employers to create similar leave policies to encourage their employees to volunteer in Nashville Public Schools.
About Cities of Service
Founded in New York City on September 10, 2009, Cities of Service is a bipartisan coalition of mayors who have answered the historic Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act’s call to action. Cities – often at the front lines of our nation’s most pressing challenges - are perfectly positioned to work together to engage millions more volunteers in service and develop strategies to increase the amount and impact of local service efforts. More information is available at www.citiesofservice.org.
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov