Are you asking yourself, "How is it October already?" I certainly am. By now all our districts have opened their doors to brick and mortar learning. This has been an adjustment for all of us. Our families made decisions that were the best for their needs. Now we continue our work, but how, when we are not permitted in schools in many of our counties?
This is a time where we need to continue our divergent thinking and plan new and relevant ways to engage our members with virtual programming and events. Maybe try a social hour where families can join and get to know each other. A new take on the well-attended Ice Cream Social, just virtually. Try taking a familiar program/event and redeveloping it to an online model. How about a virtual reading program where teachers, volunteers, or administrators, can read to students and reiterate reading strategies? What about a math manipulative night, where we can use household items, dice and playing cards, for example to teach math techniques? These are just a few examples of how we are continuing to provide services to our members and families. Do you have an idea to share? Please do so we can share around the state. We are all in this together!
How Do You PTA?
1. Encourage engagement and membership.
Ask new members to get involved with your PTA. There are still ways to volunteer and participate in our virtual environment. Welcome everyone to your PTA by inviting them to an upcoming meeting or asking how they wish to share their skills/talents.
2. Provide useful resources.
New members want to know how their PTA membership can help them. Provide tools and resources to help their children reach their potential. Remember to take a survey of your PTA members to learn how your PTA can provide relevant tools and resources for your school and community.
3. Keep in touch!
PTA members want to be knowledgeable about their children, school, and community. Keep them informed about events that affect their child. Connect a new PTA member with a returning member to form a mentor program and keep new members up to date on PTA happenings. Email and call members on a regular basis with news they need to know or to just check in. Host open meetings or social hours to allow for more people to learn more about PTA and be engaged in the school community.
4. Ask for renewals.
Remind members of the successes your PTA has achieved throughout the years and ask for membership renewal. Retention is a key component in any membership campaign. Sharing your achievements helps PTA members stay connected, understand the value of PTA membership, and stay energized!
Jennifer "Jen" Martinez
President | Florida PTA
