Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Dallas-Fort Worth Area, TX

The impact of volunteering and participating in worthy causes extends beyond supporting the needs of our community - it strengthens who we are as parents, and magnifies the potential of our children to change the world. As Moms, we are asked to "do so much" already - and volunteering may be the last thing on our mind. But one thing is clear - doing good is as natural and a necessary skill to instill and nurture in our children as knowing how to tie their shoe laces. With us today is Whitney Strauss, Dallas' savviest community volunteer and Mom who shares how volunteering helps her teach the lessons she wants her son to learn... and ultimately, makes her a "better" mother.... 

By Whitney Strauss

After chairing the Stories from the Top event for the Women’s Museum a few weeks ago, a sponsor approached me and said that I must be so proud at the impact my volunteer work has had on my 3-year-old son. I was pleased with her comment - not only as a compliment to my community work, but more so that she knew that volunteering had a positive effect on my child. On the drive home to meet my son and husband for a celebration dinner, I reflected on her comment. What kind of impact had my volunteer work had on Bobby?

I decided to go straight to the source. While driving to school, I asked Bobby about his “jobs” just to see what he would say. He said his jobs were to follow directions and not crash his tricycle into Charlie’s. I am confident that Charlie’s mother appreciates that as well. Then, I asked him about Daddy’s job. “To go to SMU and to meetings,” he said very matter-of-factly. “OK, what is Mommy’s job?” I asked, peering in the rearview mirror. He thought about it for a minute and then shouted, “To be a helper!’ While I was delighted that he viewed my volunteer work this way, it also made me consider his experiences.

Parents are their children’s first teachers. I don’t think you can just talk to your kids about life lessons you want to teach them. It is that old adage that actions speak louder than words. Through my volunteering, I am able to model my values and beliefs. I am able to show him how to be kind, show appreciation, the importance of hard work and how to be generous. Bobby has been able to meet people of all ages, races, religions and income levels and, more importantly, learned how to treat people he meets with respect and kindness. He has learned decorum when attending formal events, luncheons and board meetings. He raised his hand during a meeting not too long ago because he had something to say. It was a proud moment for me.

I have never regretted my volunteer work and what it has taught my son. However, I have learned some things along the way that may help other Moms out there.

First of all, it is very important to choose an organization’s mission about which you are passionate. Bobby not only learns more about the community but also more about my values from my volunteer efforts. Additionally, I volunteer in organizations that are significant not only to me but also have been significant to him. He knows that I volunteer at his school and for the March of Dimes because those organizations are important in his life.

In my few years of juggling working, volunteering and being a mother, two rules have emerged  - to know yourself and also to be able to say "no." For example, I like planning fundraising events. I think I am skilled at this and don’t mind the stress and pressure that invariably occurs. This being said, it is not for everyone and I have seen event planning bringing out the absolute worst traits in people. Before getting involved in any organization, it is important to know your strengths, what you like to do and also how much time you realistically have to give. In the end, volunteer work should be a positive experience for you and your family.

Some of my most memorable and often funny experiences with my son are when I have taken him to volunteer with me. As we pulled into school after discussing Mommy’s job, I reflect with pride that he has had positive community experiences in his little life thus far and that he will continue to learn and grow through my community involvement.

Staying active volunteering in the community is so much more meaningful in that it both gives to the community and betters me as a mother.

Bio
Whitney currently serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Dallas Women’s Foundation Board of Directors and Secretary for the Head Start of Greater Dallas Board of Directors. She is also currently serving as Chair for the Family Teams Committee of the March of Dimes and Chair of the Stories from the Top event for the Women’s Museum. She has served on the advisory committee/board/committee for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center League, Big Thought, Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Texas Business and Education Coalition, Texas Engineering and Technical Consortium, HI-TECC Industry Coalition, Dallas ISD, North Texas Food Bank and Special Olympics Texas. She is active in her son’s school, The da Vinci School, and is a member of the Junior League of Dallas, Dallas 40 and the Dallas Friday Group.

Whitney is a graduate of Leadership Grand Prairie and was awarded the top 40 under 40 in Dallas by the Dallas Furniture Bank.

Whitney graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science from Texas Christian University. She is currently working toward a Masters of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University. She is married to Robert Strauss and has one son, Bobby.