The document provides tips for boosting parent participation in PTAs through motivating behavior change and effective communication strategies. It recommends (1) using a volunteer survey to understand parents' interests and availability, (2) communicating in ways that appeal to motivators like belonging, freedom, power and fun, and (3) recognizing volunteers with feedback and thanks to encourage continued participation. The presenters emphasize the benefits of parent involvement and providing flexible, relevant volunteer opportunities to engage more families.

1. Boost Parent Participation in
your PTA
Facilitators:
Fran Lytle -- Behaviorist, Author
Diana Schlott -- Founder, Community Manager
@VolunteerSpot
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2. Howto ask a ?
How to ask a ?

3. Motivating People’s Behavior
Fran
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4. How Our Brain Works
Data
Presentation of facts
Design
What do the facts mean?
Meaning
What do the facts mean to my life?
4

5. Happens All Day
Data Design Meaning
What will I eat for
What will I wear?
breakfast?
Which route will I
take to work?
What will I post to
Facebook?
What will I say in
that meeting? What book will I
read?
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6. Your Brain Gets Tired
What do you
want for
I don’t care.
dinner?
You do care! Your brain is just too tired to
make another decision today. 6

7. Amplified For Moms
Time-starved
Get to the
meaning fast!
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8. Data
86% of the general public
b believes that support from
parents is the most
important way to improve schools.
When parent involvement begins at an early stage
in a child’s educational process, the positive effects
are more powerful.
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9. Design
When parents consistently participate in
their child’s school at every level . . .
Advocacy
Decision-making
Oversight roles
Fundraisers
Boosters
Class Volunteers
Student achievement increases
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10. Meaning
Decades of research indicates when parents
are involved, students have . . .
Higher grades, test scores & graduation rates
Better school attendance
Increased motivation
Higher self-esteem
Fewer instances of violent behavior
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11. Meaning
When parents are regularly involved in
school activities, it reinforces the view in a
child’s mind . . .
School and home are connected
School is an integral part of the family’s life
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12. How do I use this insight to
boost parent participation?
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13. Motivate via Relevancy
Volunteer Relevancy Survey
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14. Volunteer Relevancy Survey
http://www.zoomerang.com/ 14

15. Volunteer Relevancy Survey
http://www.zoomerang.com/
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16. PTA Volunteer Survey
Thanks for agreeing to take this brief survey! Your responses will help our
PTA understand what types of activities you’re interested in and when you
might be available to help at your child’s school.
Research indicates that when parents are regularly involved in school
activities, children understand that school is an integral part of family life –
which leads to increased motivation and higher self-esteem.
Volunteering is a great way to show your child that you take an interest in
their life away from home and that you value their education.
Please answer all questions – it should only take you a few minutes.
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17. PTA Volunteer Survey
I’m a . . .
[ ] Mom [ ] Grandparent
[ ] Dad [ ] Guardian
Please indicate which of the following school activities interest you. By responding to this
question, you’re not committing to any of these activities. This check list will be used by us
when we need volunteers. It’ll ensure we reach out to people who’ve indicated an interest in
certain activities. (check all that apply)
[ ] Classroom Parent
[ ] Classroom Helper
[ ] Playground Helper
[ ] Lunchroom monitor
[ ] Playground monitor
[ ] Mentor or tutor students
[ ] Help at fundraising activities such as bake sales or car washes
[ ] Chaperone field trips and other events that take place away from school
[ ] Chaperone in-school events
[ ] Assist with a specific club or interest group
[ ] Assist coaches and gym teacher with sports and fitness programs
[ ] Provide administrative assistance to the PTA or school administrators
[ ] Work as a library assistant
[ ] Help with story time or reading assistance in the library or classroom
[ ] Help with school band or orchestra or mentor music students
[ ] Assist with visual arts, crafts
[ ] Assist with plays
[ ] Judge exhibits at science fairs 17

18. PTA Volunteer Survey
Thanks for checking off the activities that interest you in the previous question. Are
there any other activities that interest you? If so, please type them in the box below.
If not, please type “None.”
Are there other people in your family who might want to volunteer at your child’s
school?
[ ] Yes, my spouse
[ ] Yes, my child’s grandparents
[ ] Yes, my child’s aunt and/or uncle
[ ] Yes, other relationship (please indicate) ______________
[ ] No
Please indicate which days you might be available to participate in activities.
(please check all that apply)
[ ] Monday
[ ] Tuesday
[ ] Wednesday
[ ] Thursday
[ ] Friday
[ ] Saturday
[ ] Sunday
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19. PTA Volunteer Survey
Please indicate which times of day you might be available. (please check all that
apply)
[ ] Morning
[ ] Afternoon
[ ] Evening
Please indicate which social networking sites you use. (please check all that apply0
[ ] Facebook
[ ] Twitter
[ ] LinkedIn
[ ] Other (please specify) ______________
[ ] I don’t use social networking sites
Please let us know the primary language spoken in your household ____________
Please provide us with the following information:
Name:
Email address:
Home phone:
Cell phone:
That’s it, you’re done! Thanks so much for completing this survey – it’s a huge help
to the PTA. 19

20. Motivate via
Communications
Motivational Drivers . . .
BELONGING
FREEDOM
POWER
FUN
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21. Motivate via
Communications
PTA sample email – Invitation to take Volunteer Survey
Hi!
Did you know that when parents are involved in their child’s school, students have
better school attendance; higher grades; increased motivation; and higher self-
esteem?
Volunteers also enjoy benefits: opportunities to meet new people (Belonging); a
chance to inspire, educate and motivate future generations (Power); opportunities to
participate in activities when you want (Freedom); and a chance to get involved in
what you like to do (Fun).
At the PTA, we understand how busy family and work life is so we’re asking all
parents to take a short Volunteer Survey. By participating in this survey, we’ll
understand which activities you enjoy and when you might be able to participate in
those activities.
We hope you take just 4 minutes to complete the survey. It’s easy, just click on this
link [insert Zoomerang survey link] and answer the questions. Thanks so much!
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22. Motivate via
Communications
PTA sample email – Invitation to join PTA
Hi!
For parents and children, the new school year is always exciting. It can also be a little hectic.
It’s the same for us here at the PTA.
Working together with parents, we’re a powerful voice for children. With your help, we can
continue to work toward PTA's goal of a quality education and nurturing environment for every
child.
When you visit our website [insert url], you’ll read about the advantages of being a PTA
member. When you’re a member, you’ll feel . . .
Belonging – to a community of people who are advocating for our children
Power – making children’s potential a reality
Freedom – deciding how to participate
Fun – we make sure you and your children are having fun
In addition to those intangibles which make you feel good, PTA members also receive many
tangible benefits – including special deals and discounts from our sponsors. It’s easy to join just
[insert instructions to join].
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23. Benefits of Volunteering
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24. Volunteer Benefits
Opportunities to meet new people
Improved communication & interpersonal skills
Increased self-confidence
A clearer understanding of school structure
Opportunity to serve as a role model for students
Chance to inspire, educate, and motivate future
generations
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25. Journey of a Volunteer
Diana
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26. How to ask aa?
How to ask ?

27. Journey of a Volunteer Thanks to Chris Jarvis,
@RealizedWorth
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

28. Participation Best Practices
1. Go Wide
2. Think Flexible
3. Tune In
4. Just ASK
5. Get Specific
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

29. 1. Go Wide
• Focus on broad
participation
• ALL involvement is
important
• Cultivating future
leaders, champions
& donors
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

30. 2. Think Flexible
Something for Everyone
• Ongoing
• Special events
• On-the-Go
• At home
• Weekend
• On-line
• Special Skills & Interests
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

31. 3. Tune In
Family Needs?
• Working
• Unemployed
• Immigrant
• Grandparents
• Small kids
• Dads
• Military
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

32. 3. Tune In
Customize Engagement
and Opportunities to
meet diverse needs of
YOUR Community!
Which flexible solutions
apply to your community?
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

33. A Shout for Dads!
Dads Participate!
http://blog.VolunteerSpot.com
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

34. Participation Best Practices
1. Go Wide
2. Think Flexible
3. Tune In
4. Just ASK
5. Get Specific
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

35. 4. Just ASK
"Have you thought
about how you
would like to get
involved this
year?"
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

36. 4. Just ASK
!
Overuse of any
channel gets
ignored/
avoided -
especially
email!
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

37. 5. Get Specific
1. (newsletter) Cafeteria Lunch Volunteers needed – please
email mary@schoolPTA.org if you can help on Mon. or
Tues. (or just show up, THANKS!)
2. (email) Urgent: 5 Volunteers needed in the Cafeteria next
week on Mon. at 11am or Tues. at noon. Please let me
know if you can help – thanks!
3. Urgent: We need your help at lunch next week in the
cafeteria to give our teachers a well-deserved break (and
your kids will LOVE seeing you by day). Please click here to
choose a fun 50 minute shift. Thanks!
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

38. Online Signups For:
Concessions
5. Get Specific Carnivals
Class volunteers
Workroom
Library
Literacy
Parent-Teacher
Conferences
Parties & Socials
Book fairs & more!
Cafeteria Volunteer
Online Sign Up Sheet Example
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

39. Participation Best Practices
1. Go Wide
2. Think Flexible
3. Tune In
4. Just ASK
5. Get Specific
39
VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

40. Accelerate the Journey Thanks to Chris Jarvis,
@RealizedWorth
RECOGNITION &
FEEDBACK
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

41. Back-to-School Bonus Tips
1. Welcome letters
2. Share How Volunteers
Make Difference
3. Social Events
4. New Parent Coffee
5. ASK visibly and often
6. Capture ALL interest
& ACT on it!
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

42. Ask for Feedback
• How can we improve?
• What are your
most/least favorite
activities & events?
• I feel …
welcomed
valued
that my opinions and
suggestions matter
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

43. THX 4 Making a Difference!
Thank you!!
VolunteerSpot.com ~ Diana & Fran
Facebook.com/VolunteerSpot
@VolunteerSpot
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.

44. Save Time. Get More Parents Involved!
Free and Easy Online Parent Coordination
Classroom helpers, PTA and fundraising volunteers, parent-teacher
conferences, concessions, tournaments and more…
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VolunteerSpotTM, DOING GOOD just got easier.