Tips of Successful Recruiting!
How to get all of the help you need
1. Meet the parents! Arrange a class get-together at the playground or have coffee after the children get dropped off in the morning. This gives faces to the names and instills a spirit of cooperation, right from the start.
2. When asking for help, be specific! Let your parents know exactly what you need from them. “Can you be at the party from 1:30 to 2:30?” or “We need 2 dozen cupcakes for the party.”
3. Delegate: Don’t fall into the trap of trying to do it all yourself. Be specific about what jobs need doing and when, and invite other parents to participate in organizing parties and activities. Do identify your most active volunteers and call on them when you are short – and show your appreciation! They’ll keep coming!
4. Offer a range of ways to pitch in. Some parents like to cook & bake others use their ovens for storage and love the opportunity to buy paper goods or beverages. Find out who likes arts & crafts, and use their talents when needed! Offer options so working parents or those with young children can pitch in from home (e.g. sending snacks or treats, preparing and purchasing supplies).
5. Use the “week before” reminder system. Email or send out notes to make sure your volunteers remember what they signed up for!
6. Send a Thank-You letter or email after someone has volunteered. Share digital photos with those who can’t be at the school. When parents know they have made a difference, they’ll be more willing to help in the future!
7. Be professional and cautious to NEVER release contact information without permission or share sensitive information you may be privy to as a homeroom parent.
2. When asking for help, be specific! Let your parents know exactly what you need from them. “Can you be at the party from 1:30 to 2:30?” or “We need 2 dozen cupcakes for the party.”
3. Delegate: Don’t fall into the trap of trying to do it all yourself. Be specific about what jobs need doing and when, and invite other parents to participate in organizing parties and activities. Do identify your most active volunteers and call on them when you are short – and show your appreciation! They’ll keep coming!
4. Offer a range of ways to pitch in. Some parents like to cook & bake others use their ovens for storage and love the opportunity to buy paper goods or beverages. Find out who likes arts & crafts, and use their talents when needed! Offer options so working parents or those with young children can pitch in from home (e.g. sending snacks or treats, preparing and purchasing supplies).
5. Use the “week before” reminder system. Email or send out notes to make sure your volunteers remember what they signed up for!
6. Send a Thank-You letter or email after someone has volunteered. Share digital photos with those who can’t be at the school. When parents know they have made a difference, they’ll be more willing to help in the future!
7. Be professional and cautious to NEVER release contact information without permission or share sensitive information you may be privy to as a homeroom parent.