Is it OK to start looking to solitify our co-chairs for committees now for next year? With volunteering down at our school we have found that there was/is a real need for committee co-chairs to be identified as early as possible but we are not sure if we're pushing too much if we ask now for co-chairs for next year so we can "jump" into action at the beginning of the school year and avoid our board members chairing many events. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated and welcomed. If someone has previously done this and has a request form that too would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Distressed Vice President

Nothing wrong with getting an early start, I think most groups do. One thing to keep in mind though: Leave opportunities for new parents who come in next fall to become involved too.

When I asked this q at my school, I was told that the new executive board must be voted in first (since they have to approve the committee chairs and co-chairs). There appears to be no mechanism in place to secure new chairs. No matter; I've decided I'm not going to be a chair of any committee next year! Earlier seems to be better, though, for those whose boards let them do that.

dheine-
Yes, absolutely it's a great time to start solidifying your co-chairs. Check out this article for both recruiting ideas and also words that might be helpful to put in your volunteer recruiting letter.
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Also, there are a number of "why volunteer" flyers in our file exchange that you might want to download & copy on one side of the letter or form. Lastly, be sure to check out the officer transition kit if you are filling leadership roles. PTO/PTA Officer Transition Survival Kit | PTO Today

Just an fyi, when I was a vice chair I learned that the end of March (believe it or not) was a great time to start recruiting for the next year -- before all the spring craziness started!

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes!

Lisa

If your board gets voted in before the years ends-- have them start asking this year as least to see who might be interested in helping out or co-chairing an event... even if they have to approve them-- at least the process has been started.