you are all terrific! I've read this discussion forum for about a year now and finally feel encouraged to write. I've learned so much from all of you. The most important thing I can add is not only the way you ask for help but the tone of your voice. I have worked real hard this year by my body language and the tone of my voice. I've tried to show the positive, excited, energetic voice, even when I didn't feel like it. The other parents feed off of your excitement and energy! I have found the asking in person is my best way. From the baseball parks to Walmart I'll ask them anytime and anywhere. I love what I do and I love being an involved parent, who by the way also works full-time. Yes it can be done! You all have a great day and Say you are making a difference in all of our childrens lives!
I am happy to report that from my previous post I was having a REALLY bad night and found out that most of the parents were in disagreement with the President--not me.
Anyway, our school started Tuesday and Monday night I came home with ten parent names that are really excited to help (it's a huge start for me!) and parents leaving me messages for me at school!
I have learned alot in the last three years and have no dout I will learn more fro all of you! (Especially you Jo!!)
We have a student population of 450 at our elementary school. Iam the president of our Home and School Association. We send a general letter home with all students the 1st week of school. We detail and give dates of some of our specific events that will require manpower. This way people are more willing to check those boxes because they already have an idea of the time and place. The sheets are then given to HOmeroom parents coordinators so that they can get those people organized. From there they are passed to our Library Parent coordinators and they get those volunteers scheduled. Next comes the Publishing center volunteers and Box Tops coordinators. These committee people finally make a master list and begin the phone calls. Since people have signed the paper they are pretty much committing themselves for a volunteer position. I am lucky ...we have a great parental involvement at our school.
I am hoping that our "honor board" will help this year... We have a write-on board in our front hall and plan to use it to mention volunteers who have put out an extra effort that week. I also think its important to write a note to the volunteer's child's teacher, so the teacher can include the parent in their room newsletter, if they have one. We have found most of our staff doesn't know who helps out. Even without a newsletter, having a teacher tell you in the hall that they are grateful for your volunteering means so much! We are also going to try more nuturing things this year, like hosting a parent's night out - 1 hour for a meeting and 1 hour for chatting and getting to know other parents. We will hire our local Cadette Girl Scout troop to do the babysitting (they are Red Cross certified) so all of our parent volunteers can come.
Back to Jo's comment, I use to have calls like that too, I received an idea from a quote "more experienced volunteer", and she suggested trying don't ask them what they want to volunteer for or what they want to bring. Tell them, in a polite way of coarse,
Example:
We are having our ___party on Tuesday, would you be willing to bring chips & dip, or 24 Cokes? Or, We are having our Carnival this Saturday and Mrs. _____'s class is responsible for staffing the Nail Painting Booth. Can you work the 11:00-12:00 shift or would 3:00-4:00 shift be better. If they say no, I usually let them know that the teacher needs help staffing this booth and to please talk to thier husband or teenager about volunteering.
It has changed my success rate tremendously!
People always want to help the teacher!
Hope this helps someone.
You guys have helped me in soooo many ways!
BIG THANKS AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEW YEAR!
jarsmommy
[This message has been edited by jarsmommy (edited 08-03-2001).]
