Ethical Culture Fieldston School’s rich history and vibrant tradition of volunteerism are rooted in the School’s core values of ethical learning, progressive education, and community engagement. To fully realize our school’s vision, we rely on philanthropic support from those who are most deeply committed to ECFS: parents, guardians, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. They are the heart and soul of many events and programs that define the ECFS experience. The success of our various programs and initiatives is made possible by their work and dedication and help to keep our community strong. Volunteering is integrated into the ECFS ethos and curriculum, offering an opportunity to contribute to the school community and beyond, from supporting fundraising efforts to assisting with events and programs.
Volunteerism at Ethical Culture Fieldston School
There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer at ECFS, each providing a meaningful opportunity to support students and programming, build community relationships, and strengthen the School. Joining the Orange Fund, P+T/ASMC, alumni programs, and the Board of Trustees are some of the most impactful ways to volunteer.
The Orange Fund Volunteer Program, an important school-wide volunteer opportunity, is a great way to give back to the ECFS community. Volunteers reach out to fellow parents/guardians to encourage participation in the School’s fundraising initiatives. Orange Fund volunteers build relationships with families, help to tell the story of the impact of the world-class progressive education that ECFS provides, and share how each gift can enrich the experience for our students. One of our major fundraising opportunities is ECFS’s Giving Day, where our parent volunteers mobilize to do grassroots work to help support the growth of this fund on behalf of the ECFS community.
The P+T is a group of dedicated parents/guardians who serve in elected and appointed positions to act as liaisons between school administration and parents/guardians. This group plans engagement events for students and families throughout the academic year, and unites all four divisions into one strong school community.
Alumni volunteer programs such as FAN (Fieldston Alumni Network), Class Agents, and Reunion volunteers, work with our Alumni Office to provide services and programs that promote and maintain an interest in the activities and welfare of the School among our alumni. They reach out to their classmates about events, update alumni information, collect Class Notes for the Reporter and help keep everyone informed, engaged, and represented.The ECFS Board of Trustees generously volunteer their time as the governing body of our school. They collaborate with our CEO to steward the long-term financial health of ECFS, ensuring that the necessary resources are in place to further our mission and achieve strategic priorities. Among the Trustees are alumni, parents, faculty, leaders of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, and Honorary Trustees who act in the undivided interest to guide our school’s mission with integrity.
“We show up to support this wonderful school because it’s a place we believe in, where we choose to send our kids to receive an amazing ethical education, and where giving back provides us with an opportunity to be in community with this place and with each other. If your kids are thriving and love going to school, this is the reason we’re here. So thank you all so much for your time and commitment in any and every way you give to this community.” – Grace Yang, P+T All School Chair
Why Volunteer Work at ECFS Matters
Ethics is a core academic subject at ECFS. As our students learn in the classroom, they also receive a powerful message by seeing their parents volunteering. It is a wonderful example for our students as they too learn to donate their time and energy to the betterment of our school and community. Volunteer work has been proven to encourage children and adults to develop a deeper respect for others, increase patience, strengthen leadership abilities, and gain a profound understanding of diverse cultures and communities.
How to Get Involved
We couldn’t do this work without our ECFS volunteers. We are grateful for all that they do to improve our school through their service.
If you are interested in getting involved in volunteer work at ECFS, we would be honored to have you. Reach out to pandt@ecfs.org to find out how you can sign up today.