Letters to the Editor -- March 15, 2017

Dear Smoke Signals:

My name is Angela Schlappie. I am a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and a volunteer for the Tribal Member Review Board. I always see the recruitment efforts of the court in Smoke Signals and thought I would take the opportunity to share with you the reason why I have been volunteering for this wonderful board since the program began 12 years ago.

Initially, I planned to volunteer short-term. I believe the program began with nine volunteers. I hoped to help the program get started and then move on after a few years. Unfortunately, the number of volunteers dwindled over the years and we were left with just four board members and an overwhelming need for volunteers to continue with a successful Tribal Member Review Board program.

Upon discovering the personal satisfaction I gained from knowing I was making a difference, I couldn’t bear the thought of quitting. I couldn’t leave my team; even more, I couldn’t leave the families I had grown to know so well.

While a lot of our children are placed in familiar homes, some displaced children are very confused and not sure what to expect. I feel grateful that I can be a part of a team of familiar faces to that child and reassure them they are not getting lost in the shuffle. I love telling them that I am a Tribal member and I care. I am proud to serve on a board of resourceful members who offer their knowledge and express their passion to serve our Tribal families.

Who can apply to volunteer? The only requirements to volunteer are that board members must be 21 or older, live in the six-county service area and participate in 24 hours of orientation/training in the first year.

What does the Tribal Member Review Board do? The panel consists of three volunteers who are assigned to specific cases. These members review cases of children who are wards of the court, attend hearings to review the family’s progress and make recommendations to the family, Social Services Department and the Tribal judge.

Feeling like you’re too busy to volunteer? So did I. Anyone who knows me knows I have a hectic schedule! I work full-time while attending college full-time. I’m a mother and a wife, and I still find time to volunteer. The good news is that the Tribal Member Review Board rarely requires more than 20 hours a year. Just think, you could make a difference with just 20 volunteer hours a year. Not only will you be supporting our families and Tribal youth, you will promote personal growth as well as improve your own self-esteem. Volunteering offers the chance to give something back to the community while making a difference in our Tribal children’s’ lives. Be the difference you want to see in our Tribe. Help me show our Tribal families that we care.

I remain a volunteer because I believe the Tribal Member Review Board makes a difference. We are committed to the families we serve. I believe the Tribal Member Review Board allows me to be the voice for our families and allows me to ensure the children are getting their needs met.

I sincerely hope this message encourages some of you to take time to volunteer. If you’re interested in being a Tribal Member Review Board volunteer, please contact the Tribal Court Programs Specialist, Annie Schmidt, at 503-879-4623. If you want more information, Annie will be holding a volunteer information session on Friday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grand Ronde Food Bank.

If the Tribal Member Review Board is not for you, don’t fret, there are other opportunities to volunteer. The Tribal Court is also seeking volunteers for the Peacemakers and the Court Appointed Special Advocates programs.

It’s up to us to be the voice for the future of our Tribe: our children. Have a great day!

Hayu masi,

Angela Schlappie

Roll #2556