DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been volunteering with a mentoring program at a local high school for many years. Recently, my contact at the school retired, and I haven’t gotten a call from the school to ask for my help. I think that’s kind of weird, and it hurt my feelings that they seemed to drop me. I like working with the students and think my contribution was beneficial. Do you think I should follow up with the administrator or even call my friend who retired and ask him to put in a good word for me? If my memory of timing is right, I believe we are either at or beyond the deadline for signing up for this enrichment program. -- Want to Help
DEAR WANT TO HELP: I think you should reach out to your original contact and let him know what’s happening. Ask for his advice on how to approach the school in his absence.
Next, either with his support or alone, contact the administrator of the program and make it clear that you would like to continue to be a resource for the students. Ask if the deadline has passed already for you to be involved in the program.
Make it clear that you would like to remain a part of the volunteer base for this program if the school still wants you. Even though your friend has retired, you are eager to be of service. You may also want to remind the administrator of your unique qualities and what you have historically offered to the students.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)