“It’s something that sounded interesting to me. I’d done a lot of coaching when I was younger and teaching Sunday school. I’ve always wanted to pursue teaching at some point. And this was just a really, neat way. I’ve always said that I get more out of it than the people I’m trying to teach.”
For Phil, a typical afternoon of volunteering is loud and lively—a big room full of kids ready to learn.
“We show up at the school and the kids are given a juice box and snacks. Chips or some type of food. I like to walk around and say hello to the kids and you know, maybe squat down and talk to one or two, just connect in that way. Then we all line up behind the teacher and we go into the room.”
Students are split into groups with two volunteer tutors assigned to each group. They’ll work individually on exercises or in group settings to work on reading and math skills.
Phil would encourage anyone with an extra hour once a week to consider volunteering.
“It’s really neat to see them over and over and get to develop that relationship.”
To learn more about Raise Your Hand, visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org/raise-your-hand.
