District Volunteer of the Year Says, 'If There's a Need, Fill It'

The month of April was National Volunteer Month, and celebrated its parent volunteers with an .

Angie Warren was at her 11-year-old daughter's softball game that night, because she does double duty as a mom and as a coach. When she left, the game was 4-4, and her daughter had just driven two RBIs. Warren has an agreement with the girls that when they hit, they get to sign her clothes. With Sharpie pens.

So when she arrived at the award ceremony that night, her clothes were covered in "Sharpie tattoos," she says with a chuckle.

Warren likes to stay behind the scenes. She coaches her daughter's softball team, has 8-year-old twin boys at and co-chaired the Measure G committee.

Campbell Patch sat down and chatted with Warren about raising children, volunteerism and why she says we are all responsible for being good role models to all our children, not just our own.

Campbell Patch: What is it like having twin boys?

Angie Warren: We didn't know until I was 6½ months pregnant. It was definitely a surprise. I don't think we recovered from the news until they were 18 months old.

I mean, it was tough the first couple years of their lives. We had three kids under 3, at one point. It's tough being a parent, you know?

Patch: What motivated you to volunteer at your children's schools?

Warren: I wish I could tell you it was one thing, but it's not simple.

My husband and I work with people with disabilities. It’s how we met. There has always been a draw; if there’s a need, then fill it.

When my daughter started school, I wanted to be part of that. My family and I came from South Korea, and both my parents worked crazy hours and didn’t speak English. They did very well providing for us, but because of the social issues and language barriers at the time, there was a lot they didn’t know.

When my husband and I started talking about having kids, we knew we both had our struggles growing up, so this is something we committed to do.

It’s the kids. Not just our kids but the kids. They are all exposed to so much now and a lot of it (what we do as parent volunteers) is bringing them back to basics: Smiling at a kid and knowing their name, that can make a big impression, especially to those that struggle socially or behavior-wise. We should all try to do our best to bring them up all up.

Patch: Tell us about your experience co-chairing the Measure G committee.

Warren: Co-chairing for Measure G was great. I mean, I didn't really do anything but I did get to see all the kids districtwide. It lit a fire for me seeing the diversity within our district.

It was really nice to develop relationships, not only at my schools, but at others and through various PTAs. We need to unify our district as a whole. We need to be looking at our learning community not just at the school site but seeing it at the global level. We need to be nurturing lifelong learners.

Patch: What do you enjoy most about coaching your daughter's softball team?

Warren: A number of things. I like to see things happen. I like seeing the girls gel together in the dugout. That’s where I get it back. I love that. I love seeing that.

Patch: Why is parent volunteerism important?

Warren: I think that everyone should make it a goal to touch one life in a good way. You may never know that you did it, but if you wake up every morning and try to make the right choices that helps.

I think all of us, at some level, have a responsibility to our communities. We don’t live in a bubble. We gotta equip our kids. They need to be able to defend themselves, but equip them by empowering them.

Patch: What would you say to other parents to encourage them to volunteer?

Warren: Be a positive role model, that's what I would tell other parents. None of us are perfect. I will be the first to admit I have my vices and skeletons in my closet.

Lead by a positive example. Kids are kids, and they are layered just like that. The world is full of broken people, and if you could help mend them just a little bit, that will help.