Recently I talked about your open house speech and how to set the right tone, but I actually think it's even better if you set that "first impression tone" even earlier with a welcome event of some sort that is purely social and fun.

There are a ton of new families about to enter your school, and they are anxious and unsure and probably feeling quite disconnected. But likely there are some great future volunteer candidates. Your group can do a great service to your school and for all those families by being the "welcome wagon" of sorts to new folks.

At my kids' school, we started an annual new families ice cream social at a local park. We have tons of similar ideas in this fun back-to-school events article. The key is extending that hand in friendship and service. So many important family questions (how does school pickup really work?) aren't covered in the school manual.

Great bonus: those parents who attend and are served and welcomed? They are way more likely to become fans of your PTO than parents who are only hit up for money. Good luck!