Small efforts save the world, a bit at a time

In many ways, it has been a typical fall at Hays and Washburn elementary schools in the West End. Teachers still divide their time between lessons and meeting the needs of students who come to school hungry, lonely and cold. Principals try to stretch supplies a little further. Poverty makes itself known in every classroom.

But something is changing at Hays and Washburn. In the next few weeks, 48 room parents will begin arriving at the schools, coming from Springdale, Mason, Montgomery, Goshen, Hamilton, Northern Kentucky and all over Cincinnati.

The schools will still be poor. The staffs will still be overworked and undersupplied. But they will no longer be so alone.

Three weeks ago, when I suggested the idea of volunteering to be old-fashioned room parents in schools that had none, I thought people might smile and shake their heads. Such complex problems, and far too simple a solution. I wondered whether anybody would share my vision. But I decided to try.

The phones started ringing at the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative's volunteer office and haven't stopped since. Dozens of people called in for information; 48 completed a simple application form and more are coming in daily.

I shouldn't have worried about nobody sharing my vision. These wonderful people took it and made it better.

Costumes, cooking and hugs

One marvelous person suggested being paired with a parent from the school, so they could help the children together.

The volunteers come from all walks of life. There are social workers, real estate agents, former and current teachers, sales managers, homemakers, a vice president of human resources, clerical workers, consultants and one very excited journalist.

Many have probably already done their share of good in the world. They have coached soccer, worked hot lines, led Girl Scouts, worked at shelters, helped with Kindervelt, taught religious education, tutored. Some have been room parents at their own children's schools in the past and miss the cookie-passing and hugs.

Many shared the motivation of the volunteer who wrote of her ''desire to give back some of what I have been blessed with.''

Decorations and the zoo

It's as if they were atop a tilted scale, taking small steps to shift the balance from the side that has more than enough, to the side that has too little. They are justice in action.

And they are unleashing one of the great, overlooked powers in the world, the power of the small effort. It is the force that truly moves the world.

If you're interested, there are still several room parent openings, including some special education classes that need extra love and attention. You can get information and a simple application by calling the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative volunteer office at 475-4959.

We may not change the world, but sometime this year, at least one child is going to have a happy memory of cookies and hugs to hold onto. One teacher is going to feel there's somebody at her side to help. And one volunteer is going to know the world has gotten a little better on his or her watch.

Wow.

Krista Ramsey's column appears in The Enquirer on Saturdays. Write her at 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202 or fax at 768-8340.

Published Oct. 12, 1996.