Plus Power Pack: Fortify Your Volunteer Base

January is a great time to check in on your volunteer team. Are folks burnt out from holiday activities? Do you need new recruits? If the answers are yes and yes, don’t fret—we have the resources you need.

Team Tune-Up

Schedule a casual get-together for your volunteers at a local restaurant or pub and network, network, network. Ask parents for feedback on the events your group has done so far.

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You can also hand out event surveys. But don’t stop there—afterward, try to implement a few suggested changes if possible, or at the very least, circle back to the folks who gave you feedback and let them know you appreciate their input. Post a thank-you on Facebook and in your newsletter to the parents who shared ideas.

Bring in the New

Now’s a good time to add volunteers to your ranks—many people like to turn over a new leaf come January! Approach parents who’ve attended events this year and ask them if they’d like to help out with upcoming winter or spring events. Keep the ask small, like assisting in the serving line at the spaghetti supper, so you don’t scare them away. Also, ask current volunteers if their friends would be interested in volunteering and check with teachers to see if they can recommend parents.

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Make It Easy

Think of the obstacles that prevent parents from helping out, and do what you can to limit them. There are many ways to make volunteering easier. For example, many schools require background checks. If parents are interested in volunteering, send them clear instructions on how to do the background check and provide copies of forms to help them save time. Another biggie is child care. Offer babysitting services at events or give parents jobs that allow them to bring their kids along.

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Time To Pledge

How about entering into a contract? It really does work as a way to get new volunteers. Use our free 2 Hour Power Pledge Program to attract volunteers for upcoming winter and spring events. Ask them if they’ll commit to help the group for just two hours, and in exchange, you promise you won’t ask them for a minute more. The more stress-free the volunteer experience, the more likely parents will come back for more!

Still Stuck?

Review our article called Why Parents Don’t Volunteer for insights on what could be keeping people away and some simple steps you can take to fix this.

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Just one example: There could be a lingering image that your board is a clique, but it really isn’t hard to address this one. For starters, your board shouldn’t hang out at events like a pack. Change your plan to arrive solo and mingle with parents, and you’ll put out a much friendlier vibe.