I second MJ's suggestion. A few years ago we took several positions and broke them down into smaller parts. It made a big difference. Many people just don't feel comfortable taking on a big project or stepping into a role that will keep them busy all year, but they are more than happy to do a small task or two or take on chairing one event that will only tie them up for a couple weeks.
I found that many of those who initially took on those small things have now taken on more and bigger projects as their confidence and comfort level increased.
Big thing---make sure they get recognized and thanked in a personal way by a handwritten note, phone call, and/or newsletter.
To get volunteers for positions it has worked well for us to break down the job into smaller jobs. Instead of asking someone to chair the Santa Workshop committee, we ask someone to be in charge of each detail. we make sure they know the time involved and we ask way in advance. Then we give credit where credit is due.
We had problems in the past where the prez would delegate all over the place, but when it came time for thank you, she took all the credit. That is a sure and quick way to loose volunteers.
When you break down a job into smaller jobs, it sounds less overwhelming and you are more likely to get someone to volunteer. Bringing 5 gallons of ice cream to the ice cream social sounds less stressfull than to being in charge of ice cream social refreshments, but it is essentially the same job. It is all in perception and presentation!
Hi! I have never posted before, I have been PTO President since April. I was basically drafted b/c no one wanted the job. I work full-time. It seems like ever since I started that I just run around putting out fires.
There is a serious motivation problem at the school among the parents. People will volunteer for committees but it is beg, plead, guilt-trip, etc to get anyone to take any form of leadership role. Is this a common problem? What have you all found works to motivate people who say No, No, No to accept committee chair positions?
