Boost Parent Participation in your PTA

Facilitators: Fran Lytle -- Behaviorist, Author

Diana Schlott -- Founder, Community Manager@VolunteerSpot

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How to ask a ? How to ask a ?

Motivating People’s Behavior

Fran

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DataPresentation of facts

DesignWhat do the facts mean?

MeaningWhat do the facts mean to my

life? 4

How Our Brain Works

Data Design Meaning

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Happens All Day

What will I wear? What will I eat for breakfast?

What book will I read?

What will I say in that meeting?

Which route will I take to work?

What will I post to Facebook?

You do care! Your brain is just too tired to make another decision today.

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Your Brain Gets TiredWhat do you

want for dinner? I don’t care.

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Amplified For Moms

Time-starved

Get to the meaning fast!

86% of the general public b

believes that support from parents is the most

important way to improve schools.

When parent involvement begins at an early stage in a child’s educational process, the positive effects are more powerful.

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Data

When parents consistently participate in their child’s school at every level . . .

AdvocacyDecision-making Oversight roles

FundraisersBoosters

Class VolunteersStudent achievement increases

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Design

Decades of research indicates when parents are involved, students have . . .

Higher grades, test scores & graduation rates

Better school attendanceIncreased motivation

Higher self-esteemFewer instances of violent behavior

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Meaning

When parents are regularly involved in school activities, it reinforces the view in a

child’s mind . . .

School and home are connected School is an integral part of the family’s life

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Meaning

How do I use this insight to boost parent participation?

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Volunteer Relevancy Survey

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Motivate via Relevancy

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Volunteer Relevancy Survey

http://www.zoomerang.com/

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Volunteer Relevancy Survey

http://www.zoomerang.com/

PTA Volunteer Survey

Thanks for agreeing to take this brief survey! Your responses will help our PTA understand what types of activities you’re interested in and when you might be available to help at your child’s school.  Research indicates that when parents are regularly involved in school activities, children understand that school is an integral part of family life – which leads to increased motivation and higher self-esteem.

Volunteering is a great way to show your child that you take an interest in their life away from home and that you value their education.

Please answer all questions – it should only take you a few minutes.

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PTA Volunteer Survey I’m a . . . [ ] Mom [ ] Grandparent[ ] Dad [ ] Guardian Please indicate which of the following school activities interest you. By responding to this question, you’re not committing to any of these activities. This check list will be used by us when we need volunteers. It’ll ensure we reach out to people who’ve indicated an interest in certain activities. (check all that apply)[ ] Classroom Parent[ ] Classroom Helper[ ] Playground Helper[ ] Lunchroom monitor[ ] Playground monitor[ ] Mentor or tutor students[ ] Help at fundraising activities such as bake sales or car washes[ ] Chaperone field trips and other events that take place away from school[ ] Chaperone in-school events[ ] Assist with a specific club or interest group [ ] Assist coaches and gym teacher with sports and fitness programs [ ] Provide administrative assistance to the PTA or school administrators[ ] Work as a library assistant [ ] Help with story time or reading assistance in the library or classroom[ ] Help with school band or orchestra or mentor music students[ ] Assist with visual arts, crafts[ ] Assist with plays [ ] Judge exhibits at science fairs 17

 

PTA Volunteer Survey Thanks for checking off the activities that interest you in the previous question. Are there any other activities that interest you? If so, please type them in the box below. If not, please type “None.” Are there other people in your family who might want to volunteer at your child’s school?[ ] Yes, my spouse[ ] Yes, my child’s grandparents[ ] Yes, my child’s aunt and/or uncle[ ] Yes, other relationship (please indicate) ______________ [ ] No

Please indicate which days you might be available to participate in activities. (please check all that apply)[ ] Monday[ ] Tuesday[ ] Wednesday[ ] Thursday[ ] Friday[ ] Saturday[ ] Sunday

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PTA Volunteer Survey Please indicate which times of day you might be available. (please check all that apply)[ ] Morning[ ] Afternoon[ ] Evening Please indicate which social networking sites you use. (please check all that apply0[ ] Facebook[ ] Twitter[ ] LinkedIn[ ] Other (please specify) ______________[ ] I don’t use social networking sites Please let us know the primary language spoken in your household ____________ Please provide us with the following information:Name:Email address:Home phone:Cell phone:

That’s it, you’re done! Thanks so much for completing this survey – it’s a huge help to the PTA. 

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Motivational Drivers . . .

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Motivate via Communications

BELONGING

FREEDOM

POWER

FUN

PTA sample email – Invitation to take Volunteer Survey Hi! Did you know that when parents are involved in their child’s school, students have better school attendance; higher grades; increased motivation; and higher self-esteem?  Volunteers also enjoy benefits: opportunities to meet new people (Belonging); a chance to inspire, educate and motivate future generations (Power); opportunities to participate in activities when you want (Freedom); and a chance to get involved in what you like to do (Fun).  At the PTA, we understand how busy family and work life is so we’re asking all parents to take a short Volunteer Survey. By participating in this survey, we’ll understand which activities you enjoy and when you might be able to participate in those activities. We hope you take just 4 minutes to complete the survey. It’s easy, just click on this link [insert Zoomerang survey link] and answer the questions. Thanks so much!

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Motivate via Communications

 PTA sample email – Invitation to join PTA Hi! For parents and children, the new school year is always exciting. It can also be a little hectic. It’s the same for us here at the PTA. Working together with parents, we’re a powerful voice for children. With your help, we can continue to work toward PTA's goal of a quality education and nurturing environment for every child. When you visit our website [insert url], you’ll read about the advantages of being a PTA member. When you’re a member, you’ll feel . . . Belonging – to a community of people who are advocating for our childrenPower – making children’s potential a realityFreedom – deciding how to participate Fun – we make sure you and your children are having fun

In addition to those intangibles which make you feel good, PTA members also receive many tangible benefits – including special deals and discounts from our sponsors. It’s easy to join just [insert instructions to join].

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Motivate via Communications

Benefits of Volunteering

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Opportunities to meet new people

Improved communication & interpersonal skills

Increased self-confidence

A clearer understanding of school structure

Opportunity to serve as a role model for students

Chance to inspire, educate, and motivate future generations

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Volunteer Benefits

Journey of a Volunteer

Diana

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How to ask a ?How to ask a ?

Journey of a Volunteer Thanks to Chris Jarvis, @RealizedWorth

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier. 27

Participation Best Practices

1. Go Wide2. Think Flexible3. Tune In4. Just ASK5. Get Specific

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier. 28

1. Go Wide

• Focus on broad participation

• ALL involvement is important

• Cultivating future leaders, champions & donors

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2. Think Flexible

Something for Everyone• Ongoing • Special events• On-the-Go• At home• Weekend• On-line• Special Skills & Interests

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier. 30

3. Tune In

Family Needs?• Working• Unemployed • Immigrant• Grandparents• Small kids• Dads• Military

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier. 31

3. Tune In

Customize Engagement and Opportunities to meet diverse needs of YOUR Community!

Which flexible solutions apply to your community?

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A Shout for Dads!

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Dads Participate!http://blog.VolunteerSpot.com

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Participation Best Practices

1. Go Wide2. Think Flexible3. Tune In4. Just ASK5. Get Specific

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier. 34

4. Just ASK

"Have you thought about how you would like to get involved thisyear?"

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4. Just ASK

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

!Overuse of any

channel gets ignored/ avoided -

especially email!

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5. Get Specific

1. (newsletter) Cafeteria Lunch Volunteers needed – please email mary@schoolPTA.org if you can help on Mon. or Tues. (or just show up, THANKS!)

2. (email) Urgent: 5 Volunteers needed in the Cafeteria next week on Mon. at 11am or Tues. at noon. Please let me know if you can help – thanks!

3. Urgent: We need your help at lunch next week in the cafeteria to give our teachers a well-deserved break (and your kids will LOVE seeing you by day). Please click here to choose a fun 50 minute shift. Thanks!

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5. Get Specific

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Cafeteria Volunteer Online Sign Up Sheet Example

Online Signups For:ConcessionsCarnivalsClass volunteersWorkroomLibrary

Literacy Parent-Teacher

ConferencesParties & SocialsBook fairs & more!

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Participation Best Practices

1. Go Wide2. Think Flexible3. Tune In4. Just ASK5. Get Specific

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier. 39

Accelerate the Journey

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Thanks to Chris Jarvis, @RealizedWorth

RECOGNITION & FEEDBACK

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Back-to-School Bonus Tips

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

1. Welcome letters2. Share How Volunteers

Make Difference3. Social Events4. New Parent Coffee 5. ASK visibly and often6. Capture ALL interest

& ACT on it! Participation Interest Signups

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Ask for Feedback

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

• How can we improve?• What are your

most/least favorite activities & events?

• I feel … welcomed valuedthat my opinions and suggestions matter

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Thank you!!~ Diana & Fran

Facebook.com/VolunteerSpot

@VolunteerSpot

THX 4 Making a Difference!

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

VolunteerSpot.com

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Save Time. Get More Parents Involved!Free and Easy Online Parent Coordination

Classroom helpers, PTA and fundraising volunteers, parent-teacher conferences, concessions, tournaments and more…

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