A Profile Of A Volunteer: A Brave New Face In The PTA

If you think of the PTA in terms of moms and bake sales - think again.  The face of today’s Parent Teacher  Association is changing. Literally. In 2009, the national PTA elected  Charles J. Saylor, a construction industry executive and father of four in  Greer, S.C., as its first male president. Charles and his wife, Teresa, started  volunteering at their children’s school when their oldest child was in the first  grade. They remained involved because they recognized the importance. When asked  about his volunteer experience, Charles simply stated, “I would hope that all  adults would support PTA and the schools in their communities. “ He added a  special plea to his fellow male counterparts, “Dads, get involved!”

It is widely known that students perform better when mothers and fathers are  both involved in the education of their children. Men and women think  differently and bring unique perspectives and skills to school and PTA activities. School communities and PTAs thrive when both men and women participate.

And yet men remain a largely untapped resource. Until recently. For the same  reasons that Charles Saylor took the helm of the National PTA, James Patterson  joined the El Camino Creek PTA (Encinitas Union School District, Carlsbad, CA). And the reasons why are simple. He was asked. James claims, “It was never something I would have thought  of on my own.” When he was initially approached, he admits that his first reaction was doubt. “I thought that was something that I couldn’t do.” But, James was up to the challenge.  It’s good to put yourself in new positions that stretch you a little. “I like the challenges and the personal growth I have received from the PTA. I have stepped way outside of my personal comfort zone this year with public speaking, a television interview, asking others for help, leading others and organizing events.”

He also liked the idea of setting a good example for his children. Far too often we tell our children Just try it. We use this tactic for school work, sports, activities, even at the dinner table. James says that he always tells his kids, “It’s okay not to be able to do something. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.” You never know unless you take that first step.

What James never realized is that his one small step for mankind would become  a giant leap for the spirit and wellbeing of his school. With over 14 years in the field as a paramedic, including three years as a flight medic for Mercy Air, James was a natural choice for El Camino Creek’s (ECC) Health and Safety Position. James is in charge of organizing on-going programs that promote  health, safety and wellness. This includes encouraging students to walk or ride to school, a healthy eating challenge and the universally hard job of keeping the morning traffic safe and sane. Most mornings you will see James standing in the middle of the school drive through lanes waving cars forward and carefully stopping them for students to cross. At well over 6 feet tall, he is physically suited for the job. His height and his bright orange vest make him an imposing figure. But it is his smile and friendly personality that make him truly stand out. James takes the time to smile and chat with the students. They have gotten to know him and like him. He laughs when he remembers that on Halloween he opened the door expecting to hear “trick-or-treat.” Instead groups of children looked up at him and said, “Oh, hey! You're the traffic guy.” One of the unexpected benefits of the job is that James is now a local celebrity in the eyes of the children

He also has the admiration of his fellow board members.  In James’s mind, that was the biggest hurdle. He admits, “The hardest part of my job is the out-of-the-box idea of a man doing what has been a traditionally done by a woman.” It definitely couldn’t have been easy walking into that first meeting. James was outnumbered more than 21:1. But in typical James style, he easily dispelled everyone’s fears. As the members went around and introduced  themselves, James smiled up at the women in the room and thanked them for allowing him to crash their party. And he continues to earn their respect. Not just with jokes and smiles. But with action and words. When James speaks, the ladies listen. And not because he is a man. But because he brings a new light to their discussions. Through his unique perspective, he recently created a student  blog highlighting the progress of the school’s basketball teams. He also organized a bike rally that allowed nearly 200 students to learn and/or improve their bike safety skills. Slowly, but surely, he is adding his own touch to the programs.  And the school is better for it.

Our children need to see that their parents support them in all aspects of  their daily lives. There shouldn’t be job positions based on gender. Just like  women are a vital force in the corporate world; men should feel equally valued  in the world of their children’s education. And, once again, James is up for the  challenge. James’ wife, an ER physician, frequently works out of town. He is now  is his family’s primary caregiver. James is a prime example that any job can be  held by any person – man or woman. To echo James’ message to his own children, “All that is important is your willingness to try.” ECC is so thankful that  James took that first brave step. Now he is hopeful that others will follow  suit.