Help Wanted?

The eternal cry of many PTA/PAs is ... "it's always the same people who come along to meetings" and "how can we get more people involved?" Well read more for some handy hints.

Communication
Think about whether the parents and staff at your school really understand what the PTA/PA does. Has your Committee become a little bit too cosy - maybe newcomers feel like they're intruding on what they see as a circle of friends. Well, why not ask if you could have some wall space in the school foyer and make an attractive and highly visible noticeboard where you could display news and events. Ask if the PTA could be included in the school newsletter and on the website.

Welcoming all parents...
Remember there may be some parents who lack confidence and some for whom English is a second language. Try to make your Committee meetings as friendly and unintimidating as possible. Think about your meeting room - is it in school? Maybe that's putting some people off - meetings can be anywhere eg, at someone's house or even the local pub! Don't forget to hold meetings at a time that people find convenient - for example, give them time to get back from work.

Welcoming new parents
If your school has an open day/evening for P1/S1 parents organise a stall with information leaflets about your PTA or contact us for some of our leaflets/booklets.

Working as a team
Its important to have a good working relationship with your Headteacher - their support is really important. Don't forget other members of staff like other teachers and their assistants. The team in the school office are vital as is the janitor. Make sure you thank everyone who helps out.

Choosing the right event
It can be really demoralising when you put lots of effort into organising events and don't receive much support - you may even be tempted to give up altogether. But remember, when you run an event that you are bringing together the whole school community and are giving your PTA the visibility you need to get new volunteers. If parents have a good time at an event, then they are more likely to want to join. Don't always think of fundraising - people do get tired of putting their hands in their pockets all the time. Organise purely social events and try to choose events that will appeal to parents and children as then there will be no worries about childcare.

Membership
Why not broaden the membership of your PTA/PA? Consider changing it to a "Parents and Friends Association". You could then include friends, grandparents and other relations and even members of the local community who may have more time than busy parents. Don't forget that if you are changing the membership and/or name, you will need to have a look at constitution. Have a look at our leaflets section for advice on constitutions.

Work with other organisations
Get together with other local groups such as the Scouts or local charities to organise large events such as a summer fete, and then split the profits made on the day.

Get the Kids involved!
Children are very good at persuading their parents to get involved. If they are excited about an event then their pester power comes in very handy as your publicity is done for you! If you are looking for volunteers at an event, rather than asking "Can you help?", put up a poster saying "My Family is Helping!" with spaces for the children's names. Once some names are on it then other children will want their name on the list too.

Division of Labour
Some parents don't want to get involved because they are afraid that they will end up doing more and more. Once you have a list of helpers, get them to fill in a questionnaire to find out what skills they have and what they like doing. Allow people to volunteer on an "irregular basis" - for example, only sign up for certain events/activities or do things from home like making posters or making phone calls.

Good Publicity
Let people know how much an event raised and how the money will be used. Celebrate all your achievements via the local press, newsletters and on the school website. Print stickers with "Funded by the PTA" and stick them on all equipment bought for the school. If your PTA fund such things as school trips or swimming lessons, make sure the children know this so that they can tell their parents.

Reach that target!
If you have a major fundraising target, then make a big notice or one of those fundraising "thermometers" to show just how far you have to go.

If you have any good ideas, then let us know.