My Tip of the Week: Need help? Just ask
The biggest mistake PTO and PTA leaders make is usually by accident and because they are so stressed and busy. It's when leaders don't reach out to every parent who's expressed a willingness to help.
The
big
biggest mistake PTO and PTA leaders make is usually by accident and because you are so stressed and busy. But it's a biggie nonetheless, and you'll do well to address it now before we get even further into the school year.
The mistake? Not reaching out to every parent who's expressed a willingness to help. If you sent out a volunteer form in August, I'd wager that many parents expressed at least a general willingness to help. Where are those forms now?
Yes, it's way easier to call on your regular, reliable volunteers. But it's also a surefire recipe for sending a "we don't really want help" message to the rest of your parents.
Make sure all your leaders and chairs make a point of at least reaching out to new potential volunteers for each event. The newbies may not step up, but your asking sends a powerful message.
We have plenty of resources on this topic:
The mistake? Not reaching out to every parent who's expressed a willingness to help. If you sent out a volunteer form in August, I'd wager that many parents expressed at least a general willingness to help. Where are those forms now?
Yes, it's way easier to call on your regular, reliable volunteers. But it's also a surefire recipe for sending a "we don't really want help" message to the rest of your parents.
Make sure all your leaders and chairs make a point of at least reaching out to new potential volunteers for each event. The newbies may not step up, but your asking sends a powerful message.
We have plenty of resources on this topic:
