A Moral Imperative

I saw this image on Facebook this evening (couldn't for the life of me find where it originated from) and it caused me to pause and think. Administrators have a lot of resources at their disposal and can mobilize people and resources to address issues of injustice. Sometimes we fund-raise. Sometimes we provide direct financial assistance. We approve events like food drives and electronic recycling programs. Other times we reach out to community partners like CCAC or The Children's Aid Society. This is the only glory this position affords, contrary to popular belief. There's no proper monetary compensation. There aren't a whole lot of thank yous to be had, but when you have had a hand in making even the slightest contribution to raising awareness and moving a community to care about other beyond the four walls of the school, then you have modelled for staff and students that no matter what path they take in life, we are all called to look after the least. Call it a moral imperative. Call it working in partnership with God to be stewards of creation. Call it being the hands and feet of Christ himself.

An effective administrator works to create a culture of service to others. I can certainly attest that in a milieu so focused on technology, standardize test scores and a whole host of other things that ought to play second fiddle, love of neighbour and service of others is not always at the top of the priority list. Conscious decisions have to be made so that these are ingrained practices in a school community. I am so proud of my school for continuing on in a near 3 decade tradition of serving the homeless at St. Francis Table every Thursday. Staff members volunteer their time to take a handful of kids and it is a truly transformational experience for everyone. As an administrator, I don't get bent out of shape if a teacher misses a staff meeting or academic council meeting to do this. This is any opportunity to "walk the walk" and show kids that despite how busy life can become, it is not impossible to make time to serve others. Initially, kids sign up in order to earn community service hours but often time they sign up to go back just because they feel compelled to.  Mission accomplished.