Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Parent groups do survey parents, teachers, and volunteers to get a better sense of how they are doing and how to improve. It's a good idea. Chances are you may not love every response you get (some parents will have things to say about what you should/shouldn't do while telling you they don't have a moment to volunteer!!), but you'll also get some wonderful responses and helpful ideas.

We have a section on our File Exchange that has a number of different survey templates that you could use:

Also, if you have a problem with a lack of volunteers and parent involvement, take heart. It's an ongoing problem for many groups. We were just recommending to another PTO leader that they take a look at our 2 Hour Power Program. It's a nice way to not overwhelm parents and get them to commit to helping your group for just two hours before the end of they year. You may want to give it a try. 

Good luck!

Rose C.

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Community Advice

mnowak8202 writes:
Our problem is even if we run a survey/ poll not even 1/4 of the people will respond. We can't figure out how to get people to help and respond. Then all they do is complain about what we do. It is VERY frustrating.

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Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
It can be very frustrating. One suggestion is to try very targeted requests for help. For example, if you are having an event soon and need volunteers, reach out and ask people to help do a specific task for a specific and short period of time. People often find this much easier to handle that a more general request for help. You may helpful this video of our founder Tim Sullivan discussing this very issue: http://www.ptotoday.com/ptoblog/uncategorized/2015/01/09/cool-it-with-the-flyers-ask-parents-to-help-out-one-at-a-time

Good luck!
Rose C.

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