Your Parent Teacher Group does amazing things every year and it wouldn’t be possible without the many volunteers putting in the time and effort. Whether your group is new, established, big or small, you’re probably always looking for more helping hands. If you’re wondering what your next move is, perhaps it’s time to consider a PTO, Booster Club, or PTA membership drive!
A membership drive or membership campaign helps your organization recruit parent volunteers. You can do this by hosting events and spreading the word throughout the year of the benefits and accomplishments of your group.
Creating a Membership Campaign Committee
The first step to acquiring new members is to create a membership campaign committee in charge of heading the membership drive. This committee can work to continuously recruit parent volunteers. Your PTO, Booster Club, or PTA membership drive may require flyers, online updates, or social media posts. If you want to make it a little more fun, create an interesting theme to grab some attention.
Describing Your Parent Teacher Group’s Value
Parents already know that your Parent Teacher Group fundraises, but they may not know how the funds you raise are used to enhance every child’s school experience. Committee members should be encouraged to boast about your Parent Teacher Group and it’s value. If there was ever a time to brag, it’s now! You can explain that your group is responsible for wonderful tools that students use every day, such as new computers, books, and other classroom equipment.
Setting Reasonable Membership Drive Goals
Having goals gives your new membership campaign committee a sense of direction. Although your group might be excited, it’s best to make reasonable goals that your committee can reach; while also taking into consideration time, funds, and availability.
Some goals you may have:
- Increasing membership by 10%
- Increase the number of male members and officers
- Increasing the number of teacher members and officers
- Increasing membership diversity
Campaigning Throughout the Year
Campaigning throughout the year doesn’t mean you have to set up a multitude of events. You can host an event at the beginning of each semester and then have a more casual approach for the rest of the year. If your school or parent organizations are having an event, your committee members can present group information; for large events, an information table may be appropriate. A more casual approach could be placing sign-up sheets and Parent Teacher Group information in student packets or leaving papers and flyers in the school’s main office. The most important part is to be prepared and welcoming to anyone interested in your organization.
Adjusting Your Membership Campaign
It’s important to stay informed on the progress of your membership campaign and adjust your efforts if needed. You can keep up with this information to get an idea of where improvement may be needed:
- Number of new members recruited
- Number of current members staying active
- Where new members are coming from, i.e. events, online sign-ups, etc.
- Are new members feeling welcome and integrating well
Campaigning is a lot of trial and error, so don’t be discouraged if you haven’t met your goals yet. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed and each new member, volunteer, or parent curious about your group is proof of that.
AIM is here to help your organization succeed. Check out our other blogs for fundraising inspiration, tips, PTA, PTO, or Booster Club guidance, and more!