What Can We Do?

Eric Big E Howard, MSW

As the holidays end and the New Year begin, many people have made resolutions for self-improvement, financial stability, or overall health and wellness. I would like to take this time to invite members of the community to add one more resolution to their list in 2008. Please, become more involved in the lives of Asheville’s young people. As someone who works with children on a daily basis, I have some suggestions on how people in the community can become more involved and do some good this year.

If you are a parent, I encourage you to help your
children prepare for the upcoming end of grade tests. While I do not
believe that these tests are entirely indicative of a student’s
capabilities or strengths, they are unfortunately the mandated
measuring stick by which schools sum up a student’s aptitude.
Therefore, it is extremely important that your child perform to the
very best of his or her ability. Studying and preparation at home is
essential. Students need help in the areas of math, writing, English,
etc.

If you do not have a child in school but are proficient in these areas,
help other parents help their children study for these tests. There are
many people who are willing and able to help but sometimes feel that
their presence would be seen as intrusive. I feel quite certain that
most schools in the area would be more than willing to provide extra
time in the afternoons and study space for groups who would like to
tutor students and help in these academic areas. I challenge you to
contact local principals and parents to see what you can do to help if
you are truly interested.

Another way that you can make a difference in 2008 is to become
involved in local youth programs. A good place to start is with the
local Boy Scouts chapter. George Hill does an excellent job with the
scouts but does not, in my opinion, get enough consistent support from
the community. There are also excellent youth programs in place at the
Y.W.C.A. and the Reid Center. Both run after-school programs that do so
much good for students in Asheville. Whatever your talent is, either of
these places would be a good place to start sharing it.

Finally, I encourage parents to set aside at least two hours every
month to participate in your child’s education. Realize that parents
are the real power behind the schools. It is easy to focus on past
differences or conflict that you may have had with teachers or
principals but if you keep in mind that your child’s education must
come first, then differences can be overcome with the understanding
that you are just trying to do what is best for your child. Sometimes,
schools just want parents to meet them half-way and vice-versa. I
believe that two hours of your time as a parent every month is a good
compromise and more than achievable. It is a fact that there is a
dramatic difference in both the students and the parents who make this
commitment. Become involved and grow with your child.

It is time to back up those words, “It takes a village…” We all know
that this is true. Let’s become that village in 2008 and stop talking
about raising the children and simply start helping to raise them.
Eric “Big E” Howard attended Mars Hill College and received a Bachelor’s in Social Work, and completed his M.S.W.

at the University of South Carolina. Currently, Mr. Howard is employed
by Asheville City Schools as a School Social Worker at Randolph
Learning Center. He is also an adjunct professor at Mars Hill College
in Mars Hill, NC.