This week, it’s back to basics. As you’re decompressing—but at the same time, also thinking about your goals for next year—make sure to keep the most important thing of all in mind.
Building parent involvement is among the most important focuses for parent groups. The research says so (unanimously). Every bit of my personal experience says so (clearly). And all the stories and success profiles highlighted by PTO Today make the case (undoubtedly).
But growing involvement is challenging, as well. You’ll do a lot to alleviate the challenge of it by looking at involvement not as a daunting undertaking, but as something you can build on bit by bit. Here’s how:
Be Modern
Does the traditional 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. PTO or PTA meeting look different today? Yes, these meetings are generally not as well-attended as they were in the past. But unlike in, say, 1981, today’s parent groups have tons of ways to reach parents, like Facebook, email, smartphone apps. Use them.
Be Seen
You’ll do a lot to set a nice, welcoming tone by making yourself visible to new families at your back-to-school night. Consider having a table and a friendly volunteer specifically designated simply to welcome them.
Be Laid-Back
Taking a soft approach—not making parents feel obligated to pitch in—is the best way to get new people on board. The most important focus is your group, how cool it is, and ultimately, how much you’re doing for the kids and the school.
Be Fun
This is really important. If volunteering for your group means more drudgery than fun, if there aren’t a bunch of good laughs in the process, or if your leadership takes things too seriously, then you’ll forever be fighting to get new volunteers and to keep the ones you have. Quickly dispel the idea that involvement will equal sitting through a bunch of boring meetings by showing your fun side. (I love this “human bingo” printable as a way to break the ice and open the door to some fun interaction.)
Other helpful resources for building involvement include:
Put Involvement First: Our 10 Best Tips (registration required)
Make the Case for Parent Involvement
