Taking a leave of absence from work to parent pre-school age children, or facing a layoff does not mean that you have to take a break from using your skills as a professional.  Since my daughter was born two years ago today, I no longer work during the summer months or have a second job after the school day ends.  My goal to become an expert on being a stay-at-home parent over the next eight weeks probably won’t come true, so luckily I have volunteer activities planned this summer.  As a reading specialist, all of my work has to be done in-person, but I was excited to take part in an online meeting for The Connecticut Reading Association. I’m sure that most working adults probably participate in online meetings on a regular basis, but for me, this was an entirely novel experience. My husband entertained my daughter and fed her dinner while I participated in the 90 minute meeting with about fifteen other educators and two IT/PR professionals. I know that many parents chose to stay home because they have a spouse who works fifty or more hours per week but, if you do have access to childcare at some point during the week, I would seriously consider joining the board of a charity that interests you. You will be able to practice your professional skills, and might even be able to develop qualities that you never even thought you possessed. Here I am more recently with Marcie Craig Post, International Reading Association President and Rayann Mitchell, IRA Leadership Development Manager.  These two intelligent international educational leaders spent the day educating Connecticut's reading leaders. What have you learned from your volunteer positions?