Background: Early in 2004, SIUC Chancellor Walter Wendler invited a group from the local retirement community and District #95 to discuss participation in a pilot plan to make a difference in our public schools. The challenge, according to the Chancellor, was to initiate a Retiree Volunteer program to provide help for our classroom teachers. In Carbondale, there are four attendance centers and all, according to the Superintendent, desperately need volunteers to help the children with their reading and other skills.

Sponsors: The program is sponsored by the Emeritus and Annuitant Association, Southern Illinois Learning in Retirement, the Office of the Chancellor in cooperation with SUAA, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Intergenerational Initiative.

Progress: After several months of planning, the first group started at Parrish School which is very popular as the youngsters are just beginning to read. Presently, almost a year later, there are approximately 30 volunteers at Parrish, generally for one hour per week, although some stay longer or go more than one day a week. All are excited about their experiences. In the other schools there are fewer, 12-20 although some of the volunteers also help out at other centers when needed.

Need: Recruiting is critical in the success of the program, as our participants are dedicated if they are in town. Frequently they will substitute for each other for vacations, but they are a mobile society and we have to adjust to their schedules. Presently we have more than 50 on our qualified list, although some are listed for special programs, as Oral History, playground duty, and others. But we NEED YOU to help a child learn to read, to write, to count and more. Join us now!

HOW: Call Mary Simon at 457-8856 and ask for a background sheet. Complete and return it to her at 808 Taylor Dr, Carbondale, IL, 62901. Please include your phone number and email address. For additional information about the Illinois Retiree Volunteer Program, go to the SIUC Intergenerational Initiative Web Site at: www.siu.edu/offices/iii

SIUC Emeritus volunteers meet with Chancellor Wendler in getting local school district mentoring program off the ground. Those pictured are: (l-r) David Christensen, Chancellor Wendler, Robert Radtke, Emil Spees, and Bruce Appleby.