The not-so-surprising thing diets, resolutions and helping schools have in common

Where do I start?
It’s a good question. 
Last month during #31waysin31days, we highlighted 31 different ideas on how to partner with schools. 

And then I asked you last week to share about your challenges when it comes to helping schools (if you haven’t shared your opinion yet, there’s still time, and it only takes a minute or two).

One challenge many of us face is how to start.

It’s a challenge throughout life. 
How do I start eating better?  How do I start saving money?  How do I start an exercise plan?  How do I start to run a half marathon?  How do I start to write a book?

And those same doubts and fears and uncertainties are in play when it comes to helping a school.  No one wants to start something and then fail.  No one wants to start something, tell people we’re doing something, and then not do it.  No one wants to start helping a school only to not finish the year or worse, say you’re going to help and then not start.

So, how do we start helping a school?

Here’s some tips on getting started helping a school:

• Start close- if your business or church is across the street from a school, start there.  If you have school-aged children, start with their school.  If you teach at a school, start there.
• Start small- we heard this time and again during #31waysin31days, but start small.  Underpromise and overdeliver.  Starting small might look like sponsoring a classroom before you support the school.  Or support one teacher with appreciation and cards and volunteering in her room and go from there.  Or mentoring one child for a year and then start a mentoring program with your business or church. 
• Start now- act on the idea of helping a school.  Do something to get started on the idea this week or even better, today.  Email a teacher and see if you can help in her room.  Email a principal and set up a time to see how your business could help her school.  Fill out the application to be a mentor.  Taking one small action of getting started will keep the momentum going and also bring the idea to life for you.
• Start together-  start with a friend and ask for her assistance and encouragement.  Start with me- tell me you’re starting to partner with a school and I’ll help you start well.
  

Have some other tips on how start partnering with a school?  Or on how to get started in general?  Let us know in the comments section- we’d love to hear from you!

And if you're not sure how to start or where to start, please email me.  I'll help you get started today.