If you’re thinking about back-to-school supplies, it also means it’s time to consider how to get parents involved in the PTO or PTA this year.
Whether you’re trying to reach new students' families or simply want fresh faces on the team, you’ll want to have a few helpful tips in your back pocket to ensure you reach your goals. But don’t worry—we’re here to help.
Below, we’re detailing our top six PTO and PTA ideas to get parents involved and discussing the benefits of having a stellar team.
Host family activity nights
Some people don’t volunteer for their school’s PTO because they know little about it or aren’t sure who to contact. One way to circumvent that is to host family events after hours.
These activities connect students and parents to teachers and other PTO members. Plus, at a family night, potential volunteers can see how your organization helps the school.
Not sure what to plan? Try these suggestions:
- Technology safety talks
- Reading night
- Science after hours
- Family movie nights
- Talent shows
- Family sing-a-longs
Match parent talents to volunteer jobs
Parents often have a preconceived idea of what PTO jobs entail. Why don’t you challenge that by asking what they want to do?
Send out surveys or ask families directly about their strengths and interests. Using the information you collect, you can match each participant to a particular role.
Many parents are more willing to volunteer when their responsibility is one they enjoy, making them more likely to stick around.
Entice them with a back-to-school picnic
Start the year by garnering attention with a back-to-school-themed picnic. If possible, plan this event for the first week of classes. Parents can bring their children and meet other families, their children’s classmates, and PTO members.
You can also ask families to participate in the potluck by bringing:
- Side dishes
- Desserts
- Cups
- Cutlery
- Plates
- Napkins
If you have the budget, the PTO should supply most of the needed materials, but asking families to help with smaller items makes it easier for them to participate.
For events that include classes from multiple grades, create specific areas for each level to meet so they can get to know each other. Remember to include a PTO table with information about how parents can join.
Read more: PTO and PTA Ideas for Back-to-School Events
Make fundraising easy
Meetings, events, and school fundraisers require a time commitment from your potential volunteers. Some people have less time for more intensive activities, but luckily, you can make fundraisers easier with programs like RaiseRight.
RaiseRight enables parents to earn funds for the PTO or PTA—without ever leaving home! Once you enroll your PTO in a RaiseRight program, participants can easily raise money just by purchasing gift cards or shopping online.
RaiseRight partners with hundreds of popular brands, including Target, Starbucks, CVS, The Home Depot, and more, making it easy for parents to fundraise just through routine shopping or dining. Families don’t have to spend any extra money or time on fundraising.
This type of passive fundraising can effectively get more families on your side.
Prioritize alternative methods for involvement
Building off the previous point, you can also use other methods of involvement to reduce the time commitment required for new parents. Be open about different ways to volunteer and remind them they don’t need to attend every in-person event.
Working parents may find it easier to complete at-home tasks that help the PTO. Simple activities they can do on their own time include:
- Making goodie bags
- Writing or editing the PTO newsletter
- Creating decorations or signage for upcoming events
- Sorting Box Tops or other donations
- Updating the PTO’s website or social media page
- Sorting fundraiser information
These efforts are helpful to any PTO, so encourage prospective participants to volunteer for flexible help.
Offer an incentive
Volunteering warms many people’s hearts, but you should also thank parents for getting involved! Reward them for their efforts with a small token of appreciation. Examples include:
- Free lunch
- Comped event tickets
- Free resources
- T-shirt or tote with the school or PTO logo
- Gift cards
These efforts can make your members feel valued and motivate them to stick around for the long haul.
Why should parents join the PTO?
Is there a benefit to PTO or PTA parent involvement?
There are many advantages of having more families join the PTO—for them, the students, and the school. These benefits include:
- Improved grades and higher test scores
- Increased student attendance
- Enhanced teacher, school, and parent reputations
- More confidence in the education system
- Improved teacher and student morale
Ultimately, an active PTO helps everyone feel more confident that students will have a beneficial learning experience.
Draw parents in with easy fundraisers like RaiseRight
Increase family participation in your PTO or PTA with enticing activities like RaiseRight fundraising. Our mission is to simplify fundraising and make it a part of everyday life so you and your families fundraise faster with minimal commitment—a huge plus for busy parents!
Ready to get started?
