RUN A PTA – Volunteer appeal


WHY DON’T PEOPLE VOLUNTEER?


HECTIC LIVES: We’ve all heard someone say: ‘I can’t help out because I work.’ This can be frustrating for PTAs, especially since


many parents and committee members who give their time are in the same situation. Modern life is busy by design. Long working hours, rising costs and the constant barrage of notifi cations from our devices can leave us feeling stressed and short of time. So it’s essential to show understanding while emphasising that when more people contribute their time, it reduces the overall load.


ACTION POINT: Highlight that any amount of voluntary time is valuable. Micro-volunteering can have a signifi cant


impact at your summer fair – a group of people who each spend half an hour sorting gazebos or staffi ng stalls makes the task easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Online platforms such as volunteersignup.org and signup.com make the sign-up process as smooth as possible. They allow potential helpers to see the available tasks, as well as when they need to be done, how long they will take and how many people have already signed up.


WELCOME EVERYONE: Another reason people avoid offering to help is a perceived sense of the PTA being a


clique. There can be a tribal mentality at the school gate, the idea that PTA work is only for a certain type of parent: the mum who works part-time or not at all, the creative with boundless energy, the egotist who wants to be in control.


ACTION POINT: Be mindful of your PTA’s culture and composition to avoid claims that you only associate with a


A BIG ASK One of the biggest


reasons people cite for not volunteering is that nobody asked. Your fi nal action point is


NEW SITUATIONS: The thought of stepping into an unfamiliar environment can be daunting, especially


if people are unsure of what their responsibilities will entail. This feeling of uncertainty can create a barrier that makes it easy to opt out.


ACTION POINT: In all your communications, clearly state that your PTA encourages gradual integration and


offers ongoing support. Provide straightforward information for ad-hoc helpers at the fair by writing a one-page description for each stall or game that outlines the roles and responsibilities. Pair newcomers with experienced volunteers who can offer guidance and reassurance. At the start, hold a volunteer briefi ng and encourage questions to help alleviate any anxiety. The difference between recruiting a new committee member and discouraging a person from offering again may be as simple as giving them a cup of tea after an hour. Don’t skimp on the thanks either.


select group. Focus on being friendly, positive and approachable; remember that some people offer help because of the social side. Ask all committee members to be as visible as possible at events and on the school run, enabling the school community to recognise faces and connect with the PTA. It’s especially important at the beginning of the school year when you need to engage with new parents. Aim for your


to put out your call far and wide, making sure it reaches the entire community in different ways and at different times


committee to refl ect diverse personalities and perspectives to help you connect with a broader section of the school community. One


effective method is by breaking with the traditional roles. ‘We have


three co-chairs, and we’re all working to be visible, welcoming and friendly,’ says Gilly. ‘We agree that we should have an equal voice.’


Read more about attracting


volunteers at pta.co.uk ● Our top tips on how to encourage sign-ups: pta.co.uk/ events/fairs/boosting-support-volunteers


● How PTAs can show supporters the true value of their work: pta.co.uk/running-a-pta/community- engagement/get-started-demonstrate-impact


● Micro-volunteering can help PTAs widen their pool of supporters and accomplish more tasks: pta.co.uk/ running-a-pta/community-engagement/micro- volunteering


50 SPRING 2025 School Fundraising


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