Volunteer Appreciation Week is designated to highlight dedicated individuals whose acts of service have lasting effects on communities.

The National Parent Teacher Association, which turns 129 years old this year, is built entirely on volunteers. In Florida, the state PTA serves local units across many communities, supporting family engagement and child advocacy.

Yvonne Johnson, president of the National PTA, said the week is about more than just saying thank you.

"We celebrate our volunteers, and the reason we do that is because we want to continue to shape brighter futures and build stronger schools," Johnson explained. "We have to appreciate our volunteers, because their unwavering commitment strengthens not only the schools but the communities. It inspires students and educators."

Johnson pointed out volunteers help ensure every child has the support they need to thrive. In Florida, the Broward County Council PTA was recently selected by National PTA to receive a Family Engagement Solutions Challenge Grant to train school district leaders on evidence-based family engagement practices.

Johnson noted many people think PTAs are only about bake sales and fundraisers but her organization is actually the nation's largest and oldest child advocacy association. She stressed volunteers focus on school safety, digital safety, healthy lifestyles and making sure families have a seat at the table.

"School safety is a number one priority," Johnson emphasized. "It's part of our public policy priorities and that's all about making sure that we have common sense gun laws and that we are making sure that kids feel safe and supported in schools. That's a really big thing for us."

Johnson, who is from Delaware, added volunteers give up time away from their own families to speak up for both their own children and others who may not have anyone advocating for them. She believes a simple thank you goes a long way in making volunteers want to continue their work.

Source: Public News Service