A key habit of successful PTOs and PTAs is to focus on your good work all year round. If you don't, no one else will, and you'll be known as "the group that always wants my money" or "the group that always wants my time" rather than "the group that does such essential work for our school."
One of my best tips here: Make sure you tag anything and everything you purchase for the school with a nice plaque or sticker or nameplate that reads something like "Gratefully Donated by XYZ School Parents and the XYZ PTO." Working on a playground or new risers for the auditorium? Find a way to remind all of the students and families who use those items (for the next 10 years!) that it was the good work of your PTO that made them possible.
This is not just to brag. It's how you strategically (and consistently, and frequently) emphasize your good work. This is the kind of habit that makes your fundraisers more successful and that helps you bring in new volunteers each year. Folks like to be associated with and support successful endeavors. If you're successful but don't tell anyone, then that dynamic will never help you out.
We have several great articles on marketing your PTO and changing impressions:
- Basic Marketing That Builds Involvement
- Communication Tips for Better Involvement
- Put On Your Sales Hat
Good luck!
