One of (the many) new things we are trying this year to boost participation is to award certificates of recognition and a small gift (facial at a day spa or free tune up for their car or something) to the most involved new member, veteran member and teacher during our teacher appreciation activities in May (since May is also volunteer appreciation month). We keep a list of attending members at the meetings, and a master list of all members. We place a check mark next to a members name on the master when they attend a meeting and a star when they volunteer at an event. We also spotlight a teacher, member, or outstanding student in our newsletter (which comes out at the start of each new season).

One other thing we are still working on doing (in our small rural county) is creating a partnership between all the PTAs & PTOs in the county with our local businesses. This partnership would encourage folks to join their PTA or PTO by offering discounts to members at local restaurants, cafes, service stations, gift shoppes, etc. Then we give "free" advertising in our newsletter and at our events with a list of participating businesses, banners, posters, and even a free vending table at our bazaar. Another upside to this partnership is increased traffic and sales in these small businesses (we don't use large chains, except those whose franchise rights are locally owned) thus helping our local economy.

Don't really know how well it will all work out...have to get back to you in May!

At our school the parent with the most volunteer hours gets 2 free lunch tickets to eat with their children and a picture with their children on the PTO bulletin board and local paper spotlighting them.

This year we're doing a Volunteer Lottery. Every time someone volunteers--in any way--they will put their name in a lottery. At the last meeting of the year, we're going to pull a name & that person will win a prize. We're working on a really awesome prize. Disneyland tickets, airline tickets, bed and breakfast weekend, something like that. I'm going to put this info in our first newsletter.

Hello, we are trying to come up with parental incentive program. Maybe asking local businesses to donate gift certificates or merchandise, give them away to parents who volunteer on a regular basis, or give away books, pay for field trips for pto reps etc. Has anyone had any experience, good or bad with parental incentive program?

Thanks, MaryA