"Parent Talent Bank
Develop a process to collect information from parents on how they can be involved in education. Give parents a list of ideas to stimulate their thinking, encouraging them to add ideas that they can do at home. Include on the form:

Setting Up a Volunteer Program
Organize a volunteer program by asking school staff what needs to be done; develop job descriptions for volunteers that include a title and description of the skills needed to perform each position; recruit and train volunteers; share with volunteers the amount of time or commitment to the job required and if they will be expected to be on location to complete the task.

To recruit volunteers, send information home with students, advertise in the school newsletter, use radio and TV announcements, and post a flyer on the bulletin board at school and in the community. It is the responsibility of everyone to recruit volunteers, including the principal, teachers, home-school liaison, volunteer coordinator, parents, and students.

In order to give all parents an opportunity, it is important to call specific parents who usually do not volunteer and ask them if they will assist with a specific task. Include all parents and be sure to provide a translator if necessary.

Recognize all volunteers at their time of service and also at an awards assembly at the school. Publicize the value of volunteers in the local newspaper using both articles and pictures.

Note: Successful use of school volunteers is measured by the increased learning success of the students. Competing between schools and classrooms for the 'most hours' directs the focus away from the learning and success of students.

Mentoring Programs
The best mentors may not be the most visible leaders in the community. Encourage those on whom youngsters may pattern their own lives to become mentors. Individuals who have struggled and survived often make the most influential and understanding mentors. Mentors may include collaborative learners, peer counselors, college students, and retired people.

Parent Mentors
Parent mentors can adopt students who need support and encouragement for motivation in learning. Parents who participate in this program meet with students on a regular basis to check on homework and listen to students sharing school progress. They give special attention and support to the student. A special area in the school can be set aside for the meetings of the students with their mentors.

Career Mentors
This program is similar to the one described above but deals with specifically matching a student and mentor because of a similar career interest. This may also include shadowing the parent at his/her place of employment and assisting the parent at work whenever possible. If parents are not available in a specific career area requested by a student, the professional organization representing that career area may identify individuals who will volunteer assistance." (pp. 53-54)