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Volunteer Recruitment 101 for PTAs

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7 tips for PTA Chairs to recruit more volunteers

So you’ve been recruited to be a PTA parent, and you're wondering "How do I recruit more volunteers?" Well, don't worry! We're here to help you figure this thing out.

Whatever it is - we got you!
Here for you! (via Giphy)

Whether you're looking for volunteers or just need more members, here are seven tips for PTA Chairs to recruit more volunteers.

#1 Keep your recruitment simple

The first thing you need to do as a PTA chair to recruit more volunteers is actually reach out and ask for help. Get back to basics with flyers, posters around the school and newsletters. Be present and accessible. Make sure parents know where to find you if they want to get involved.

Handling out flyers and smiling
And remember to SMILE! (via Giphy)

#2 Use a PTA Class Rep system

Class reps have an important job. They help build a sense of community. They tell parents what the PTA has planned, and encourage them to get involved in preparations behind the scenes, or at actual events by helping out with everything from set-up all the way through to tear down. They are the perfect liaison between parents and the PTA. This way parents always have a point of contact, and the reps don’t get stuck doing everything themselves.

#3 Approach parents who are new to the school

The school playground can be a daunting place, and that’s just for the parents, let alone the kids! It can be especially hard when you are completely new to the school or area. So newbies may actually welcome a way to get involved through the PTA, and make some new friends.

Man saying
Volunteer No. 1. (via Tenor)

#3 Highlight the benefits

Apart from getting to know people and feeling great about helping to raise funds for the school, it’s can be a whole lotta fun coming up with ideas for events for the kids or the parents. It’s a great opportunity to be involved in creating wonderful memories for a whole cohort of school families.

Being on the organising committee means you can heavily influence the agenda and calendar of events. If they don’t like the idea of your 70’s Disco Dance Competition, they shoulda volunteered and run their own event... at least you’ll have fun!

Sandford and Son 70s comedy - getting groovy with flares on!
Now that’s what I’m talking about!

#4 Promise to keep PTA meetings short and sweet (and keep your promise)

Timekeeping is really important as long, inefficient meetings are a cure for insomnia, and bound to drive away anyone but the most committed volunteer. Everyone will appreciate a well-run meeting that ends on time (preferably with some fun thrown in).

giphy.com

#4 Get parents to share their ideas

Create a survey or host an event for all parents at your school and talk about what they would like from the PTA, then use that information as a basis for future plans based on their ideas.

This will help you to get to know parents and you’ll also be able to put their individual skills to good use. They are also more motivated and likely to get involved in organising an event that they have suggested themselves.

Seth Meyers: That's a freakin great idea!
Even Seth agrees. (via Giphy)

# Give newbies a proper chance!

Remember... they may not know the ins and out of what needs doing, and they may have to learn the hard way... But delegation is the way to go, if you want to expand your volunteer base. You cannot be in all places at once.

Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec, telling a DIY store attendant that he knows more than him.
Ron Swanson does know it all, I suppose.

#5 Make the PTA more accessible

Most parents genuinely don’t always feel they have the time but they still want to help out in some way. We’ve surveyed thousands of parents, and have consistently found that the easier PTAs make it for parents to do just a little, the more and more parents that step up. Try listing lots of small, specific tasks (and explain exactly what needs doing) rather than sending a general shout-out for help. Try to see it from their point of view, and make it easy to simply pitch in on an ad-hoc basis.

Peter Rabbit - Help yourself to anything!
Bet you didn’t know Peter also runs his local school PTA... (via Tenor)

#6 Make the PTA more inclusive

It is important for everyone from all walks of life to feel included and represented in the PTA. Look around the room at your next PTA meeting and figure out who’s missing, and actively seek volunteers from differing backgrounds, who can bring more diversity of thought to your PTA and create an inclusive culture.

Sure does. (via Tenor)

#7 Stay Positive

There will be up days and down days. It’s hard not to feel a little sting of resentment if you are always left clearing up when the party is over. So make sure you a) clearly ask for help and b) make it easy for people to help. A sense of perspective and a sense of humour will definitely help you through those times that you’re left sweeping up, as well as help new volunteers to gravitate in your direction.

Mmm hmmm - having so much fun, honest! (via Tenor)

There you go!

Well if there’s one thing that Covid-19 taught us, it’s how to communicate virtually. Online communication is the new normal and means

Your PTA can use modern technology to take the pain out of delegating -- so share out the workload and have more time for the fun stuff!

Recruiting more parents to join the PTA can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. Start implementing some of our tips in this article to get the ball rolling.

About PlanSocial

PlanSocial curates resources and educational materials for school parents and their families, focusing on everything from educational support for your children, self-development and career re-entry, to home improvement, family well-being and even where to find the best family holidays.

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