Question: Catch phrase and theme help.

Our PTA is looking to the past for inspiration....we all remember when we were in school and everyone's mom came to every meeting with a covered dish and volunteered multiple hours a month. We need a good theme and catch phrase to go back to the way it used to be.

Asked by Carrie

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
How about "Why can't you be more like your mother"? Seriously, sorry for the wise-guy comment (couldn't resist), but I don't think an appeal to the past is the way to go. Society has changed from the 1950s and 60s, and I don't think involvement is much different today than it was in the 70s and 80s -- some groups had great parent involvement and some didn't. You're better off, in my opinion, appealing to the needs and concerns of today's parents. You should be touting the benefits of parent involvement -- the fact that research indicates when parents get involved in their children's education grades go up, behavior problems go down, kids are more likely to go to college (and better colleges), the schools themselves improve, etc. Also, be sure to speak to the number one concern parents have about getting involved -- the time commitment. Let them know that they can volunteer for an hour or two without being sucked into a black hole of never-ending time commitment. As far as a slogan, I'd recommend something that focuses on benefits (get involved and help your child) vs. urging people to go back to the good old days.