h t i s f u l w Running a PTA Class representatives
They may not be as deeply involved as the core committee members, but class reps perform the essential job of keeping parents in the loop
Lines of communication
It may seem straightforward compared to the never-ending planning and organising that the committee does, but keeping the lines of communication open is highly important. Committee members often don’t have time to manage detailed communications and marketing, so it’s essential that they can disseminate information through the class reps. Furthermore, reps also field questions, send feedback and make sure parents and carers understand information about PTA events.
H
ow do class reps describe their role? They usually say something like: ‘Most of what I do is to pass on information that the PTA sends out,’ or ‘The purpose is to
share what the Friends send you with the class WhatsApp group… anything Friends-related really,’ and ‘We’re the link between the PTA and the class parents, sharing information and asking for volunteers.’ While this is somewhat true, these tasks add more value than their modest descriptions suggest.
Recruitment drive Who’s next?
With the transition to digital communication, the role of class representative has changed and no longer requires attending meetings. Good skills with WhatsApp are more important than ever! Despite this change, the committee can still use the position to attract new members, and parents who volunteer continue to learn more about the PTA. Most people volunteer for a year or two and when a rep steps down, they are usually responsible for finding their replacement.
Being a class rep is an excellent example of micro-volunteering, where parents give small amounts of time and energy to support the PTA and its activities. However, class rep work can also provide other levels of assistance by mediating between the PTA and the parents or between the staff and parents. Reps often organise class stalls at summer and Christmas fairs and lead the drive for volunteers at class level. A lot of PTA events wouldn’t happen without the gentle push of the class reps!
Being class rep would suit:
l Busy people able to volunteer in short bursts l Sociable types who are often in the playground l Good communicators l Smartphone addicts!
pta.co.uk SPRING 2024 19
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WORDS: DANIEL ETHERINGTON; IMAGE: DOYATA/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
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