Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
It's an interesting idea, and it might be a nice supplement to a strong volunteer appreciation program. But I don't think, on its own, it will accomplish your goal of getting people to volunteer more. Think of it this way. On a cold, snowy or rainy January day, what's more likely to get you out of your warm house and over to the school to volunteer? Is it the thought that "I might win that big screen TV at the end of the year"? Or is it that "I always enjoy going over to the school. People are friendly, they appreciate my help, and it feels like we're accomplishing something for the school and the kids"? My point is that the best way to make volunteers want to come back is to treat them with respect and appreciation, always be organized and give them the tools and information they need to be successful, and create a sense of camaraderie. A drawing for a prize could add to the sense of fun, but it isn't an end in itself for building volunteer interest over the course of a whole year.

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Community Advice

bvanhoy writes:
I agree with you Craig. We do gratefully acknowledge our volunteers at every opportunity as well as send home newsletters and update our website but our volunteers never seem to increase. It is very disappointing that even board members admit they don't read the newsletters or the website. I am just trying to think outside of the box to come up with and idea to get parents in the school and volunteer. Once they are there then they can see what a rewarding experience it is to make a difference in a child's life. Thanks for your thoughts. Please if anyone has any other ideas on how to get parents in the door I would love to hear it.

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Advice from PTO Today

Patty C @ PTO Today writes:
I’m not so sure a drawing at the end of the year is the answer to sustaining involvement momentum September through June. How about something more immediate that involves/excites your volunteers’ children at school? What about sending a little something to your volunteers through their child/ren in the classroom soon after they’ve helped out? Like a note i.e. “Thanks for your help this month in the library” along with a (small) token such as "Star Volunteer" pencil, keychain, a free (healthy) snack at lunch pass etc. for the student to keep? You could even make up special stickers/pins that read “My mom/dad/uncle helped at school today/this month.” You’d be surprised how many kids end up going home recruiting their parents to help out at school!

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Community Advice

fjrogers1 writes:
I'm not sure you'd want people volunteering just for a chance at winning a raffle. I volunteer because, while I want to help the school and I do have the time, I really do enjoy the people I work with. There's little gossiping or nastiness. People tend to be very supportive, for the most part. I tend to avoid working with people who I know will make it unpleasant. I also don't hesitate to call up people who might not be as active and ask them directly to help.

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Community Advice

badpants writes:
We have a very successful tutition raffle at the end of the school year. Every 10 hours earn one chance and we draw 3 names for $500 each. We used to draw one name for $1500 (about a 1/2 year's tuition). This could easily be ammended for a public school. You could draw for credit towards lunches or book/registration fees. We are lucky, we have great parents who are very supportive and volunteer. For us, it's nto about motivating parents to volunteer, it's a reward for those that do.

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