Fostering Positive Relationships

In every workplace or organization, communication and dedication are effective to establishing and fostering positive relationships. As educators, we understand the value of maintaining open and supportive communication to support the needs of children and their families within our classroom. In a volunteer role, it is essential to interact with other members and participants, as well as supporting the organization’s needs.

As a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, I can build and maintain positive relationships with children and families within the house by engaging in positive conversations, assisting with meal preparation, and organizing organization events. During a vulnerable time, being a positive and uplifting person to others is critical. Actively listening to house members when they engage in a conversation, especially about their child’s medical care is one small way I can let them know that they’re not alone. In the past, I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for five weeks while my son was in the NICU, I can share my personal experience and gratitude for the services provided to relate to guests.

During my training, the staff members recommended “going with the flow.” In terms of conversation with the house guests. They said some people want to share while others want to be more private, “it’s our goal to make them feel comfortable.” And I believe that’s true, supporting people on their level looks different for every person but being there and caring is a good place to start.

As for colleagues and stakeholders within the organization, I can build and maintain positive relationships by fulfilling needs, lending a hand, and making connections. When I begin my volunteer role, I check in with the staff member to see if they have any special or specific needs they would like me to attend to before beginning regular cleaning and stocking tasks. Sometimes this involves assisting with plates and meal counting, which allows me to talk to other volunteers and build a positive rapport. Other times this involves getting a room ready for a new guest or packaging care boxes to be passed out on the Care Cart. Whatever the case, I establish positive relationships by being intentional and dependable.