One of the things we have done is to include the address of this web site in our newsletter. We encourage everyone to read the many threads and when they do, they can see how important it is to participate.
It may be coincidence or just my perception, but as a Co-President (and father!) I have had a good response from the Dads. Maybe it is true that guys relate better to guys but I am not sure that is the reason. I am just happy to have anyone who wants to be involved, get involved.
One way we got some Dads involved was helping us to move large boxes. When the fundraiser merchandise is delivered to school, it's put in our PTA room, then they need to be moved the night parents come to pick them up. We had some Dads volunteer for that. Of course, there were the our husbands, but we had a few more too.
We also asked some Dads to cook hot dogs out on the grills on Field Day and that worked, plus they had a good time. Hopefully, they'll remember the look on the kids faces when they saw their Dad there and they'll be back again next year.
Ever thought to list ideas of how dads can join the fun?
How about playground volunteers at lunch - when all those kids tend to get into trouble or wander around attempting to play team sports without a coach or mentor...or math and science tutors / classroom volunteers always bring them in at our little school as well as those once a year events like National Read Aloud Day and field days and science fairs... Or how about getting dad's attention to the need for extra adults in computer labs.
Publish articles in your PTO / School newsletters reminding/enlightening good old dad that they can make the biggest difference in their daughter's attitiude about math and science as well as a girl's self esteem in general when they actively participate. It probably wouldn't damage their son's attitude or self esteem either to see a man volunteering in a school!
And while you have their attention... remind them that many children grow up without a father's influence at home and by committing to be a positive role model in the classroom to a child that doesn't have a strong, positive male role model in life he can dramatically change a child's life. And not to leave out single dads out there - when they volunteer in their child's classroom they make a huge impact on their own children - I care about you and want to spend time with you as you learn and grow!
Have you ever thought to survey your dads to find out why they are absent from the volunteer list or to find out what they want to do or think they can do? Remind them all that a background in cookie or cupcake baking isn't necessary (unless they are chefs and plan to demonstrate their expertise) to be a school volunteer! Make the men feel welcome and important and they'll come in without being dragged and/or tempted with food!
And also remember...it's not all mom's responsibility to make a difference in your child's education.
[This message has been edited by ColoradoPTOmom (edited 07-06-2000).]
Hmmmm.....we always serve food, but only a couple of men show up(one being my husband who has no choice...
I would think the same way you get moms involved you'll get dads involved. I would love to know the answer to that question!
We have tried everything to get parents involved(even had a $1,200 pair of earring donated for a raffle!) but to no avail. Parents will show up if: 1. They have the time
2. They care enough 3. Enjoy this kind of stuff.
Don't get me wrong, alot of parents work behind the scenes by volunteering for committees. Alot of our dads do a couple of the committees but they don't go to the meetings. So, any way they help is great by me!
[This message has been edited by Val (edited 07-05-2000).]
I am volunteer coordinator for an elementary school this year. I need some ideas on how to get dads involved in volunteering in our school. Does anyone have some useful tips?
