Building Membership in Parent Gruops

 

Q. How can we get more people involved in our school parents' group?

 

Here are the ABC's from the experts - the Parent-Teacher Organization:

 

A is for Ask. How else are parents supposed to know what's needed?

 

B is to avoid Black Holes. Offer tasks with clear time constraints.

 

C is for Communication. Use flyers, email, a newsletter and a website.

 

D is for Diversity. Variety is the spice of life in volunteering, too.

 

E is for Examine. Keep what works, but change can be invigorating.

 

F is for Fun. Don't forget to have lots of it! It fights leader burnout best.

 

G is for Gradual. Step by step, deliberately train and build future leaders.

 

H is for Hour, the length to which you should limit meetings.

 

I is for Invitation. Communicate your needs one on one. Think relationships!

 

J is for Just. "Just" parents? No! Expect respect! You deserve it.

 

K is for Kudos. Awards, compliments, thank-you notes build trust.

 

L is for Leadership. Think long-term, exciting, shared vision and goals.

 

M is for Marketing. Do people know what your group does? Tell them!

 

N is for New Parents. Reach out to them especially. Woo them!

 

O is for Organization. Bylaws, tax-exempt status, typed agendas: be pro's!

 

P is for Priorities. Focus on academic issues first, fund-raising second.

 

Q is for Questionnaire. Distribute one to match parents' skills with volunteer jobs.

 

R is for Research. Share it. The more parents know, the better kids do.

 

            S is for School Family Nights, which are special events for the whole family.

 

            T is for Training. Volunteers need knowledge, background and resources.

 

            U is for Unite. Strengthen the school with mutual understanding.

 

            V is for Visibility. Use open houses, posters, signs and notes home.

 

            W is for Welcome. Greeters, nametags and introductions help.

 

X is for X-Factor. Balance work and fun, issues and socializing.

 

Y is for Year. Reduce pressure with realistic advance planning.

 

Z is for Zero In . . . on building parent involvement!

 

 

Homework: The PTO has a great blog for parents on www.PTOtoday.com/ptoblog/