One of the things I've always admired about Chicago-area folk is their willingness to pitch in during times of crisis. Don't believe me? Think back to the last time we got a foot or more of snow.
Neighbors are always quick to grab a shovel and help clear the driveway or provide the teamwork to free that snowbound family car. Then we all get out of the way and let the professionals do their job. Any city south of Peoria swoons at the sight of an inch of snow, but within 24 hours of the worst blizzard, we're back to normal.
But as I survey the damage from the economic storm we've been weathering, I wonder what's happened to that kind of spirit. Even if you disagree with our president's policies, we should still remember he's doing his best and, just like with the snow, we need to pull together and help our neighbors through this.
We all know U46 faces a $53 million 2010 budget shortfall. With 75 percent of that budget going to salaries, come spring, staff reductions will be inevitable. Administrators certainly will do their best to ease the pain, but there will be consequences to those cuts.
So I started thinking: What if, instead of simply shaking our heads and pointing fingers, we picked up some of that slack. And when I spoke with U46 Family and Community Engagement Chief Karen Fox, she came up with some interesting possibilities.
Her first suggestion was to initiate or participate in a local food, coat or school supply drive. We all have items of clothing we no longer use, and passing them along can only improve your karma. "When you help less fortunate school parents, you help the schools," Fox said.
The district also has programs where adults can mentor individual students. Now, I know we're all busy, but Fox said it can be as simple as having lunch with a child in the school cafeteria once a week.
With the district being forced to cut back on teacher's aides, you can also volunteer in the classroom. Please don't worry about taking someone's job. Fox said there are plenty of opportunities for a parent to help out.
I know how much we all look forward to public speaking, but every year, I ratchet up my courage and do presentations on entrepreneurship at local high schools. And if this big chicken can do it, you can share your expertise. Fox said one of the district's economic casualties has been field trips, and having parents and business leaders come in to talk about what they do fills that void.
If you have no idea how you might help, Fox said, "Don't be afraid to contact your school principal and ask them what they might be looking for. Your efforts will most certainly be appreciated."
It's easy to pick on U46, but under Superintendent Jose Torres, things seem to be moving in the right direction. And the district certainly isn't responsible for this downturn that's still hitting us all pretty hard.
So instead of waiting around for things to improve or looking for someone else to make things better, take matters into your own hands. When we put our minds to it and truly come together, we accomplish great things. I've seen it happen.
The irony is, after talking to a high school class — just like helping that neighbor clear their sidewalk — it's you who gets that wonderful feeling for making a difference.
jeffwardsun@sbcglobal.net