Got Great Volunteers?
Take the Parent Pledge and Learn Some Tips by F&EG -6/2010-
Help! I need someone, not just anyone but great volunteers. Now if that sounds familiar then this tune probably does also… ‘I’m seeking and praying and wishing and hoping’ for volunteers, but of course that alone is not going to do the trick either. It will take a little more organization, smart planning, skills and team building to make your club or school organization run efficiently.
We all know that ‘Great Volunteers’ are the solid force that help every group and/or club or survive. And because they are such an important part to the survival of schools and clubs, it is crucial to know how to build a strong team of volunteers that have both the spirit and skills to make your group successful.
Organization, training, motivation, skills and the spirit of and general ‘know-how‘ are all important factors in securing volunteers to make your club successful and easier to run.
Promote the National Involvement Pledge
Joining a national organization that encourages parental involvement in schools will not only produce great volunteers but also give credit and recognition to your club or group. Being part of a national campaign creates a sense of ‘national pride’ within your organization and can produce mounds of motivation and inspiration amongst your current and future volunteers.
In an effort to meet the needs of our nation’s K-12 schools, Project Appleseed aims to increase the national family involvement capacity – a multi-billion dollar resource. Assuming 100 million parents, grandparents, and caring adults volunteered 10 hours in America’s public schools each year, they would contribute one billion man hours – crucial to raising student achievement for our nation’s 50 million K-12 students.
To insure this challenge of providing opportunities for parents to volunteer in their local public schools, Project Appleseed implemented the ‘National Parental Involvement Day’ in 1994 and the ‘Public School Volunteer Week’ in 1997. Currently seven million parents and family members, in 10,000 schools and districts, have taken ‘The Parental Involvement Pledge.’
The Pledge is a written learning compact in which parents commit to be involved in a child’s education. It is the most widely distributed learning compact in the United States and it’s celebrations are observed nationwide. According to the Appleseed Project administrators, “Pledges and compacts are the key to parental involvement success.”
Recently Tennesse Governor, Phil Bredesen proclaimed November 19, 2009 as ‘National Parent Involvement Day’ in Tennesse. “Parents are a child’s first teacher and we must encourage strong interaction between families, communities and schools,” Gov. Bredesen said. “Family involvement in a child’s education can only lead to success and higher achievement.”
Turning Commitment into Contentment
Making your volunteers feel important and comfortable is a key factor in keeping volunteers. It is the essence of good practice in volunteer management, that volunteers feel valued and part of your club. Those who feel that they have made a worthwhile contribution to their club, have been appropriately rewarded and recognized, and feel respected are the ones who will come back.
Trying to include too many volunteers and tasks at a time can make it too time consuming and uncomfortable for everyone involved. Many potential volunteers turn away and eventually quit when they feel over welcomed with large projects. Assigning small work pods with simple, achievable tasks that do not require a huge amount of time or effort will insure they keep coming back to help time and time again.”
Combining Inspiration with Organization
Forming a booster club is an important component to building a successful extracurricular program as it provides funding, volunteer support, upkeep for facilities, fields and equipment, transportation, and scholarships.
Schools that have an Executive Booster Club, have found an increase in parent participation and a decrease in problems between clubs.
An example would be where one booster club helps to oversee the activities of the football, debate, cheerleading and band booster clubs.
Develop a solid agenda and keep on task while avoiding conversations and topics not included in your meeting agenda. When you know what your plan is and can find what you are looking for, you’ll be more relaxed, less stressed and ready to tackle the next goal.”
To keep the inspiration going use a fundraising calendar of related occurrences and events, like changing seasons and holidays, that can provide excellent opportunities for fundraising.
When planning holiday events, it’s important to try and include them for all walks of faith in your group so you don’t leave anyone out.
Your booster club can reduce the loss of parent involvement if you eliminate Senior parents as your executive members. They will be challenged during their son or daughter’s senior year with helping to prepare for college, scholarships, senior party, and a host of other activities that will take precedence over administrating the booster club.
By electing to have your clubs officers rank only in the underclass (Freshman, Sophomore and Junior) you have done two positive things. First, you have established a constant mentor base as senior parents will still be involved if you ask them to stay active, and second, you have reduced the loss of valuable knowledge which traditionally goes out the door when the child and parent graduate.
Your booster club can reduce the loss of parent involvement if you eliminate Senior parents as your executive members. They will be challenged during their son or daughter’s senior year with helping to prepare for college, scholarships, senior party, and a host of other activities that will take precedence over administrating the booster club.
By electing to have your clubs officers rank only in the underclass (Freshman, Sophomore and Junior) you have done two positive things. First, you have established a constant mentor base as senior parents will still be involved if you ask them to stay active, and second, you have reduced the loss of valuable knowledge which traditionally goes out the door when the child and parent graduate.
Gaining Skills with Education and Training
Get some training and support for your volunteers. Let volunteers know that by gaining more knowledge for their club in marketing and leadership skills, they will ensure club success and it will be beneficial to them for their personal or business matters also. It is important to educate yourself and volunteers on the latest techniques in motivation, communication, organizational and business skills.
Turning Commitment into Contentment
Making your volunteers feel important and comfortable is a key factor in keeping volunteers. It is the essence of good practice in volunteer management, that volunteers feel valued and part of your club. Those who feel that they have made a worthwhile contribution to their club, have been appropriately rewarded and recognized, and feel respected are the ones who will come back.
Trying to include too many volunteers and tasks at a time can make it too time consuming and uncomfortable for everyone involved. Many potential volunteers turn away and eventually quit when they feel overwelcomed with large projects. Assigning small work pods with simple, achievable tasks that do not require a huge amount of time or effort will insure they keep coming back to help time and time again.”
Combining Inspiration with Organization
Forming a booster club is an important component to building a successful extracurricular program as it provides funding, volunteer support, upkeep for facilities, fields and equipment, transportation, and scholarships.
Schools that have an Executive Booster Club, have found an increase in parent participation and a decrease in problems between clubs.
An example would be where one booster club helps to oversee the activities of the football, debate, cheerleading and band booster clubs.
Develop a solid agenda and keep on task while avoiding conversations and topics not included in your meeting agenda. When you know what your plan is and can find what you are looking for, you’ll be more relaxed, less stressed and ready to tackle the next goal.”
To keep the inspiration going use a fundraising calendar of related occurrences and events, like changing seasons and holidays, that can provide excellent opportunities for fundraising.
When planning holiday events, it’s important to try and include them for all walks of faith in your group so you don’t leave anyone out.
Your booster club can reduce the loss of parent involvement if you eliminate Senior parents as your executive members. They will be challenged during their son or daughter’s senior year with helping to prepare for college, scholarships, senior party, and a host of other activities that will take precedence over administrating the booster club.
By electing to have your clubs officers rank only in the underclass (Freshman, Sophomore and Junior) you have done two positive things. First, you have established a constant mentor base as senior parents will still be involved if you ask them to stay active, and second, you have reduced the loss of valuable knowledge which traditionally goes out the door when the child and parent graduate.Gaining Skills with Education and Training
Get some training and support for your volunteers. Let volunteers know that by gaining more knowledge for their club in marketing and leadership skills, they will ensure club success and it will be beneficial to them for their personal or business matters also. It is important to educate yourself and volunteers on the latest techniques in motivation, communication, organizational and business skills.
Keep a Positive Attitude While You Spread the Word About Your Club
Getting volunteers motivated and keeping them around can largely depend on the positive attitude and passion for your club. Research shows that many successful clubs and groups have found that the key to continued success is their positive attitude, enthusiasm and desire to motivate others into action.
By doing so you will generate volunteers and earn the trust and respect of your school’s parents, teachers, students and administration.
Make the decision to turn your positive ideas and excitement into fuel for others to build from. A source of energy that will help your club continue to grow for years to come.
Keeping the faith while working with enthusiasm, patience and commitment to the success of your group.
