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Booster volunteers are instrumental in extending your organizations’ reach. They help advertise the club and seek donors to support middle and high school student activities and events. But what is the difference between booster club sponsorship and booster club advertising for raising funds and awareness? The language around sponsorships is clear. Sponsorships can result inRead more

AT A GLANCE Not sure what your booster club can legally fund? This article explains how clubs can support athletics, arts, academics, and STEM by helping pay for equipment, travel, fees, and scholarships, while clarifying what’s out of bounds, like paying student-athletes. Key takeaway: 501(c)(3) status is worth pursuing; it unlocks donor tax deductions, sales-taxRead more

AT A GLANCE Volunteers stay when they feel appreciated. This article shares ten recognition ideas, from handwritten notes and Volunteer of the Month to swag bags, social media shout-outs, and appreciation events. Key takeaway: tangible thank-yous, not just verbal praise, measurably improve retention, and consistent year-round recognition keeps volunteers engaged and attracts new ones. ONRead more

Hosting a school book fair can be nerve-racking for first-time parent-teacher group volunteers, but it doesn’t need to be. With a little help from AIM you can make your event fun, lucrative, and educational. Offering books at dedicated school book fairs is as vital today as it’s ever been. Parents who volunteer contribute to theirRead more

Home/school partnerships play a central role in the success of K-12 education. The most visible of these in US schools is the PTA or Parent Teacher Association. But how do PTAs work, exactly, and how do they differ from PTOs or Parent Teacher Organizations? The PTA is a system that builds community networks around K-12Read more

Booster clubs do so much good for the schools and students they serve. However, they’re also potential targets for lawsuits. You may wonder, does a booster club need insurance? Without proper coverage, money that should support your students and school can end up in someone else’s pocket. Besides not knowing that booster club insurance exists,Read more

AT A GLANCE Ready to start a parent group? This step-by-step guide covers nine moves: gather interested parents, write a mission, meet with the principal, set bylaws, get an EIN, elect officers, register if forming a PTA, and recruit members. Key takeaway: know the difference first; PTAs require national affiliation and dues while PTOs runRead more

The secret to any happy and healthy long-term relationship is communication. While this may sound like marital advice, it’s also true for your parent-teacher group. PTAs, PTOs, and Booster Clubs succeed by organizing and applying the efforts of parents to better the educational experience for the students. Regular communication with your group’s parents is vitalRead more

AT A GLANCE Icebreakers help parent volunteers put a name to a face and get comfortable speaking up, which is exactly what a PTA, PTO, or booster club meeting needs. This article offers a ready-to-use toolkit of conversation starters, quick games, and structured activities, most designed to take about fifteen minutes. Key takeaway: match theRead more

A walk-a-thon is the perfect way to raise funds for your PTA, PTO, or Booster Club, as well as gain valuable attention for your parent-teacher group’s cause. Follow these event tips from AIM to put on a successful walk-a-thon for your parent-teacher group ensure you won’t end up walking in circles. First Off, Be SpecificRead more