We have a very strong volunteer program at our school(they have logged over 2000 hours already this year!) In previous years we had parents sign up for the days and times that were convenient for them, but we found that the teachers ended up with a lot of parents whose schedules didn't fit in with the classrooms so we made some changes. We gave each teacher a form to fill out listing what kind of activities they needed help with and what days and times worked for them. We then made copies of the completed form and sent them home to the parents with an RSVP section at the bottom they could fill out and return. It has worked out really well. The teachers get the volunteer help when and where they need it and the volunteers know exactly what is expected of them and know they will be utilized when they show up.
We also have a pamphlet on volunteering that details sign-in and out procedures, what is expected of volunteers, how to handle problems with teachers and students, and confidentiality expectations.
For fun this year, we started a bulletin board in the lobby that features photos and bios of volunteers, and we post the number hours given each month. It gives some special attention to these special people and helps the students, teachers, and parents get to know the people who spend time in our school.
Robin,
I am not sure how to answer your question because our PTA's and PTO's ARE volunteer programs. There are just so many different things that each group does that you would need more then a thread on a bulletin board. I would suggest that you search this site throughly and perhaps ask specific questions such as, "What are some of the most active committees?" or "What activites do the teachers really appreciate the volunteers?"
First step though, is to ask teachers what they want. A survey like the first poster said and I would make it muti-choice so they could see the possiblities with a place to also write in any of their ideas. Some suggestions: copy committee, book publishing group, phone chain, holiday shop, family socials, bulletin boards, spirit apparel, summer gardners, library assistants, market day, fundraising and more! I'm sure there are as many different committees as there are schools.
We didn't have a program either. I devised my own and pitched it to the principal and teachers. It wasn't to hard for me because we are small school in a small county where everyone knows everyone.
I sent out surveys to all the teachers to get a feel of what exactly I needed to do and to get some input because some of them have been there a long time. Then I sent out surveys to see if I would have enough parents parents. I got over 40 responses (more than I expected). I sent out a "bio" sheet to all that was interested that had days they could come in, let them checked the options they were interested in, had them to put their phone # and email and I put that info in a binder that I kept in the workroom so teachers could use it if they needed a volunteer. My task board didn't go over too well. We have a white board in the work room no one uses so I fixed a chart that teachers could put their task on and a volunteer could sign in on it. That way if there were several volunteers they wouldn't keep interupting the teacher. I mentioned just making a sheet by their sign-in sheet they could fill out and leave at the office but they didn't like that idea. Most of the time if the teachers wanted a volunteer they would contact me. I kept a list with me at all times. It was very handy!
I was told at one time the teachers would leave things to run off in a designated basket for when volunteers came in. If you could get a person to commit to certian days that would work great.
I was wondering if anyone out there has a really good volunteer program that they use. I am involved with both the elementary and middle schools and we are looking to increase on our volunteer program - which we really don't have one just yet. But I could use some help putting one together. We are in the process of realigning and will be getting antoher additional 180 students at the elementary and with new parents I feel that a really good volunteer program is needed. So I would like to get this going but on the right track. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
