Boosting Parent ParticipationFacilitator:

Karen Bantuveris, Founder & CEO@VolunteerSpot

@VSpotMom

@TXStatePTA #SLSAustin

OUCH!

What are your biggest Parent Participation pain points?

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Groups of 3-5 * 2 minutes

Q: Why Parent Participation?

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Q: Why Parent Participation?

Involvement Improves Student Performance &Builds Commitment…

to our Schools, Communities and ALL our Children!

Journey of a Volunteer Thanks to Chris Jarvis, @RealizedWorth

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Participation Best Practices

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

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

1. Go Wide

• Focus on broad participation

• ALL involvement is important

• Cultivating future leaders, champions & donors

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

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.

3. Tune In

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

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

3. Tune In

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

Which flexible solutions apply to your community?

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

A Shout for Dads!

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

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

ACTIVITY: Best Practices

1. Go Wide2. Think Flexible3. Tune In

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Groups of 3-5

10 minutes Best-Practice Sharing

& Application

Review Engagement Handout for Ideas

How do you Boost Parent Participation at Your School?

1. Go Wide2. Think Flexible3. Tune In

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

• Classroom Involvement• Fundraisers• Back 2 School• PTA Meetings• Membership• Legislative Advocacy****Any focused engagement with special groups?

Participation Best Practices

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

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

4. Just ASK

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

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

4. Just ASK

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

!Overuse of any

channel gets ignored/ avoided -

especially email!

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!

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

5. Get Specific

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Online Sign Up Sheet Example

Online Signups For:CafeteriaConcessionsCarnivalsClass roomWorkroomLibrary

LiteracyTeacher ConferencesParties & SocialsBook fairs Walkathons & more!

FREE!

Participation Best Practices

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

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Accelerate the Journey

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Thanks to Chris Jarvis, @RealizedWorth

RECOGNITION & FEEDBACK

Trust-Breaking Mistakes

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

1. Only contact when you need something2. Not calling back / losing participation

interest forms3. Not reminding people4. Not needing people when they show up5. Keeping ‘em too long6. Calling same CLIQUE NY Times 12/10

7. Not sharing results8. Not thanking ‘em

Recognition

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

• Face-to-Face• Photo Walls• Personal Letters• Newsletter Shouts• Hours Awards• Social Media• Stats &

Thermometers

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

How do you Recognize Parent Participation?

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

Groups of 3-5

4 minutes Best-Practice Sharing

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

Thank you!!~ Karen

Facebook.com/VolunteerSpot

@VolunteerSpot @VSpotMom

THX 4 Making a Difference!

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

FREE Encore Webinars for your PTA Leaders at home!

Check your handout for details.

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

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

Free Webinar in your handout

VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.