Tips on Recruiting Parent Volunteers

Parent volunteers are an important part of any school program. An effective school volunteer program can increase student achievement, enhance a school’s image, reduce behavior programs, improve teacher relationships and improve student morale.

Unfortunately, getting parents involved in the education process can be daunting. Parent apprehension, overextended schedules, and lack of clear guidelines can keep many potential parent volunteers at bay. Therefore, schools must become more and more creative on how they recruit and maintain school volunteers.

Below are several methods schools can put into practice to get more parents involved in their child’s education.

1. Host a School Volunteer Fair

If you plan to implement a whole school volunteer program try hosting a Parent Volunteer Fair during Open House, Parent Day, or Back to School Night. Ask your PTA or PTO to help out by placing tables along the school entrance. Attach cute signs of each volunteer opportunity along with a sign up sheet. Have the principal encourage parents to sign up for one or more events before leaving for the day or evening. Use this for whole school event sign-ups, not classroom volunteers.

2. Room Parents

Solicit one or two room parents that will act as a liaison between the classroom teacher, parents, and the school staff. The Room Parent can assist in recruiting volunteers for one-time projects or other classroom needs. Room Parents may make contact through telephone calls or memos sent home through the teacher.

3. Parent Volunteer Bulletin Board

Place a volunteer bulletin board in the parent room in the school office. As needed, teachers and other staff members may post a request for volunteers on the bulletin board as needs arise.

4. School Newsletter

Use the school newsletter to will list upcoming volunteer opportunities.

5. School Website

Create a school website to list annual volunteer opportunities and job descriptions. The website can also include volunteer guidelines, procedures, and other important information.

For Example:

Book Fair

Students order books from book fair held in the library. Volunteers needed for set-up and assisting students. Duration: Twice a year. Volunteers Needed: 1 Coordinator, 5 Helpers

6. Volunteer Handbook

The Parent Volunteer Handbook serves as a promotional guide for the volunteer opportunities at your site. It should list fund-raisers and school-wide activities in need of volunteer support. Parents can look through the handbook and then select any areas of interest on the Parent Volunteer Assistance Form.