Here’s my column from a recent YouthFriends newsletter:
YouthFriends Guest Columnist, Phil Auxier, shares his 1st day experience at Lincoln Elementary:
On Thursday, April 28, I showed up at Lincoln Elementary for my first WatchDOG experience through YouthFriends. If you’re not familiar with WatchDOG, it is a program that encourages men, in particular, to be active role models by volunteering in schools. My day did not disappoint. Some things that stood out to me included: the support extended to me by YouthFriends staff. Everything YouthFriends did to prepare me proved so helpful and they offered encouragement to me all along the way as I “stepped out into the unknown” of my volunteering. I was also struck by the vision of Pam Bevin, principal at Lincoln. She was there to greet me, orient me to the life of Lincoln, and had a day
full of a variety of opportunities to interact with students. I also got to spend time with the teachers and staff of Lincoln who labor very hard to serve the needs of students. I mentioned to some how their difficult, selfless service was very inspiring to see. Finally, I saw students who definitely need the WatchDOG program. They responded by opening up their lives to me, which encouraged me to work hard to serve them.Why would I recommend this? How does it help? Well, on one level, serving in this way moves us from the “air war” to the “ground war.” Instead of talking and giving opinions on what is best for our schools, by getting involved, I’m able to see what students actually need. And, the need is very great. Our children continue to need male role models. What would be the effect if students were in consistent
engagement with other positive role models in our community? We would see change, I believe. Finally, I would recommend this, because it’s easy. Everyone made my experience something that was natural and easy to do. You can do this. All I had to give was my time. The children reached out to me and I was inspired to give back to them. I believe you’ll find the same to be true for you. Benjamin Franklin said, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” This is what we want to see in the lives of our children. Therefore, let’s step out to be involved in ways that will move us towards true change.Phil Auxier
Pastor, Crestview Bible Church
Some other links of relevance to Lincoln Elementary:
Upcoming Staff Changes
Lincoln Reorganization
Other Links from Hutch News
Dan Deming’s Column in Hutch News (a more “conflictual” interpretation)