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\u201CVolunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.\u201D
As ‘counterbalance’ to the academic rigour of school, a Creativity Action Service (CAS) component to the school curriculum provides students learning through experience along with community involvement. To show all 76 Grade 11 students the importance of community (and their role within it), The YorkSchool organized a service day at the start of the school year.This concerted effort helps students create connections, exposes them to community partnerships and demonstrates how one can make an impact in many ways to assist others.
Among the best examples that show students how enriching it is to participate in community activities is in Anna, Georgia, and Olivia’s work at DramaWay. In an environment where social work and theatrical art converge, DramaWay has been providing compassionate programming for individuals with special needs for 20 years.
Anna - “I think when we first walked in, the organization thought we were fly-by-night students looking for volunteer hours. But we got all our CAS hours before grades 9-10 and we’re still here. I see this as an extra-curricular activity. You’re there in the moment, dancing and reading comedy together having unbridled fun. It’s my favourite part of the week where you can be yourself with friends who accept you unconditionally,” admits Anna, whose sister kicked off the relationship with DramaWay and The York School six years ago. I give a lot of credit to DramaWay for helping me shape the direction of where I want to take my career in social work.
Georgia - “Once a week I can detach from societal expectations, and leave my to-do list and stress at the door. This is anenvironment where you get perspective. One of the participants once said to me: ‘Is it the end of the world if you think you bombed that math test? I have confidence you’ll do ok.’ DramaWay believes in you. You matter to somebody, and they matter to you.”
Olivia - “Through DramaWay, you don’t see the disability. You see the people, with their great personalities, for who they are. The plays at the end of the season are always so triumphant. Our friends and family come to celebrate.”
Two years ago, the students put together a proposal to The York School for DramaWay to make use of the school’s facilities after hours. Now, DramaWay uses the school two times a week for programming, and in exchange the School can help cultivate ‘volunteers for life.’
Off to University next year, the students believe they are leaving the relationship with DramaWay and The York School in good hands. There are four younger students taking over, and with the support of the School’s Director of Citizenship, DramaWay has been woven into the school’s fabric.
By serving the community, students engage in both local and global issues. They take on new challenges, plan and initiate activities, learn to work in teams, show perseverance and commitment, consider moral issues and develop skills. Learning to help others is a fulfilling exercise where the impact of their accomplishments instills pride and validation in the community.
The York School Fund provided financial support for such things as transportation, lunches and supplies, and coordination of this day-of-service.
