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1. I'm excited and interested but can't commit to volunteering: Join the Parent Teacher Organization
Membership in your school's parent teacher group will help you stay connected to administrators, teachers and school leaders as well as other parents and caregivers. Being a member doesn't mean that you have to volunteer or attend every meeting, but is the first step to getting more involved at school. The PTO or PTA can help you tap into a network of families and gives you a space to speak up, ask questions and share ideas. Plus, you'll stay on top of the news at school by getting on their email list.
Most PTOs and PTAs have a way for you to join even before the school year starts. If your school's group has a website, start there and email the President or Membership Chair to join and ask any questions you have about membership and how you can participate. The volunteers, teachers and school administrators in the group will be happy to hear you're interested whether you have time to volunteer or not!
2. I have a few hours to dedicate to a specific project or event: Volunteer for a Committee
PTAs and PTOs oversee committees that offer services, activities and support to the school community like Budgeting, After School Activities, Culture & Arts, Fundraising, Advisory, Diversity & Inclusion and Teacher Appreciation. Whether you have a few free minutes each week or a few hours to volunteer, there is a likely committee that matches your interest and commitment level. To find out which committees operate at your school, visit the PTO or PTA website and look at the list of committee leaders. From there you can contact the committee's volunteer coordinator to see how to get involved.
3. I have a few hours a week and want to make a big impact: Organize an After School Club
After school clubs extend the school day with fun, enriching classes and give kids a safe space to build friendships and explore new interests. Students who take part in after school clubs show academic improvements, participate more in class and gain self confidence. Even one club can make a difference in the lives of students at your school.
Talk to your PTO or PTA President or school Principal to get support and guidance for starting your club. Whether you have an interest or talent to share like chess, gardening, running or sewing or you know some great local providers, this checklist will help you get started and stay organized. If you're ready to offload the administrative work of running an after school club, try Homeroom's free software platform. It's built to help volunteers manage after school activities and discover high quality local enrichment providers.
4. Once in a while I have 15 minutes to spare at pick up or drop off: Offer to Make Copies for a Teacher
If you have a few minutes in the morning or afternoon, check in with your child's classroom teacher and offer to make their daily copies for them. This small gesture can free up some time in your teacher's busy day and they'll definitely appreciate it. You'll probably get a chance to connect with the school office staff too. They're the best people to ask about the news around school and may have ideas for how you can spend those 15 minutes next time you're available.
5. I can't be at school but I can do some remote volunteer work at night or on weekends: Volunteer to be "Room Parent"
Don't be intimidated by the title. The job of the Room Parent is to share news and updates with the families in your child's class (these are usually passed to you by your classroom teacher or parent teacher group), manage the collection for teacher appreciation and birthday gifts for your teacher and recruit classroom volunteers for things like field trips, events and assisting the teacher during school. A room parent's role can mostly be done by email and your time spent at the computer will make fun and important things possible in your child's classroom.
6. I can plan ahead to be available for 30 minutes during school: Help Your Teacher in the Classroom
Whether it's stuffing backpacks with math papers or artwork, wiping down tables or organizing a bookshelf, teachers have unending tasks that you can help with. Email your child's teacher and let them know your availability. They'll plan for the time you have and assign you in-classroom tasks to do in the background. This is a great way to get a sneak peek at what happens during school. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to sign in at the school office.
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