RUN A PTA – Volunteer appeal
Volunteer appeal
What makes some people step up while others hold back? Daniel Etherington has an action plan to encourage more involvement in your big summer events
P
TAs would not exist without the time given by volunteers. And when you’re running an event with the potential to raise thousands of pounds, you will likely
need more of them than at any other time. For
many PTAs, the summer fair is the biggest event of the fundraising year, so it’s essential to address the issue of volunteer recruitment early on. Addressing the reasons why people do and don’t volunteer can help boost your recruitment drive.
WHY DO PEOPLE VOLUNTEER?
FAMILY TRADITION: Not everyone offers to help for the same reason. Supporters often mention that they help because they saw
their own parents doing the same when they were at school – a clear example of modelling ideal behaviour! Gilly Cunningham, co-chair at Disley PTFA in Stockport (260 pupils), explains: ‘My parents set the example that it’s good to give back, and I want to do the same for my daughter.’ Others say the opposite – they volunteer because their parents didn’t. Either way, numerous studies have shown that volunteering increases social connections and self-esteem while actually reducing stress.
ACTION POINT: Most children genuinely enjoy seeing their parents getting involved, to the point that they may step up as mini
helpers too. Use the data from research on volunteering – together with photos and quotes from those who have helped before – to highlight the benefi cial aspects as part of your recruitment drive.
ENRICHING SCHOOL LIFE: Many parents and carers volunteer to help their children get the best possible
experience of school. They understand that PTA work makes a huge contribution to enrichment in a way that schools can’t afford and the curriculum doesn’t always accommodate. With state school funding so limited, the experiences PTAs fund make a massive difference.
ACTION POINT: The central message that will help your recruitment drive is to show the impact of your work.
Frequently, clearly and openly communicate what you have funded and the enjoyment and learning the children received as a result. Make a clear link between the money the PTA raises and the benefi ts for the children. Itemise what you funded, be it trim trails or stationery, trips or treats. Use stories and comments from the children and teachers where possible.
School Fundraising SPRING 2025 49
IMAGES: DONOPSAL, IIIERLOK_XOLMS, SERHII ANTOKH/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
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