The Courage to Say Yes: October Message from the Director
Across Louisiana, our CASA programs share a challenge that seems to come up in nearly every conversation I have with local leadership: we need more volunteers.
It is a familiar challenge, and certainly not one unique to CASA. Nonprofit organizations everywhere are competing for people's time, energy, and attention. Between careers, families, and the demands of everyday life, finding time to volunteer can feel increasingly difficult. But CASA volunteer recruitment presents a challenge that goes beyond finding people with a few extra hours in their schedules.
We are asking people to step into the lives of children and families during some of their most difficult moments. We are asking them to listen to painful stories, navigate unfamiliar systems, attend court hearings, ask difficult questions, and sometimes advocate for things that others may not want to hear. We are asking them to be patient when progress is slow, persistent when obstacles arise, and compassionate in circumstances that can be emotionally overwhelming. And perhaps most importantly, we are asking them to make a commitment to a child whose future may be uncertain. That is a tremendous thing to ask of someone.
I sometimes wonder whether, in our efforts to recruit more volunteers, we spend so much time emphasizing how rewarding CASA advocacy can be that we don't always acknowledge how challenging it is. Because the truth is, both things can be true.
Being a CASA volunteer can be one of the most meaningful experiences of a person's life. It can also be frustrating, heartbreaking, and exhausting. There may be moments when an advocate feels as though their efforts are making little difference, only to discover later that their persistence mattered more than they realized.
And unlike many other volunteer opportunities, there isn't always an immediate or visible reward. The work isn't measured simply by the number of hours contributed or tasks completed. It requires relationships, responsibility, consistency, and a willingness to remain engaged when things become difficult. That is precisely what makes CASA advocacy so valuable.
For children who have experienced abuse or neglect, consistency can be difficult to come by. Their lives may be filled with unfamiliar faces, changing circumstances, and decisions being made by adults they barely know. Having someone who chooses to show up, who continues asking questions, and who remains focused on their individual needs can make a meaningful difference.
As I travel across Louisiana and spend time with our local programs, I am continually reminded of the extraordinary people who have already made that choice. Our CASA volunteers come from different backgrounds, professions, and stages of life. They don't all have experience in child welfare, law, or social services. What they share is a willingness to learn, a commitment to children, and the courage to take on a responsibility that many people would understandably find intimidating.
Our local programs work incredibly hard to recruit, train, and support these individuals. They also understand that finding the right volunteers is about much more than filling an available position. It is about identifying people who are prepared to make a meaningful commitment and ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and support to be successful.
Still, the need continues to exceed the number of people willing and able to serve. I don't believe the answer is to pretend this work is easy. I believe it is to help more people understand why something so difficult is worth doing. Not everyone can become a CASA volunteer, and that's okay. But there are people in our communities who have the compassion, determination, and ability to do this work who simply haven't considered it.
Perhaps they assume they need a particular professional background. Perhaps they worry they won't know what to do. Or perhaps no one has ever personally asked them. So this month, I want to encourage each of us to think about the people in our lives who might have what it takes. Not necessarily the person with the most free time or the most impressive résumé, but the person who listens carefully, follows through on commitments, asks thoughtful questions, and doesn't give up easily.
Sometimes, the first step toward making a difference in a child's life is simply having someone believe you are capable of doing it. And sometimes, all it takes is an invitation.
Amanda Moody
Louisiana CASA Association Executive Director
Louisiana CASA State Director
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