25 Practical Parent Volunteering Ideas for Schools and PTA

Introduction

Most parents love to volunteer and get involved with their child’s school. Yet, there may be hesitation. What volunteering looks to one parent, can look very different to the another. Some parents may be more inclined to stay on the sidelines, where as parents from another culture may be very comfortable getting involved. Schools can respect these differences, and make it known to parents that all their contributions are valued. 

Create Ample Opportunities

One-time and recurring volunteers in the classroom and around the campus increase the sense of community. Provide ample opportunities with flexible ways to sign up for one or multiple sessions. Online systems, such as the School Signals volunteer component, provides convenience with the sign-ups and transparency. Consider the following volunteer opportunities.

#1 Classroom Volunteer

Volunteering in the classroom is rewarding for both parents and students. Students are eager to welcome visitors into the classroom. Based on parents’ interests, create a schedule that allows weekly volunteering opportunities in class. Use a paper-based or an online signup feature to maintain and manage schedules. Encourage one-time volunteering opportunities to recurring opportunities. 

#2 Campus Volunteer

Parents’ professions or skills often align with the school’s practical and students’ educational needs. Handyman skills, knowledge of gardening practices, exceptional understanding of fishing and camping, and artistry and craft skills all contribute to a thriving school community. Encourage parents who may hesitate with academic volunteering tasks, for example, due to perceived language barriers, to share their valuable knowledge in their field on their terms. Feriazzo and Hammond describe in their book Building Parent Engagement in Schools (2009) how immigrant parents shared gardening techniques, practices, and tools and had far more experience than the school staff.

#3 Career Speaker

Invite a parent to talk about their profession and career. Before the meeting, students may prepare questions. There is nothing more inspiring than hearing directly from a parent. Parents who have degrees and careers in engineering and science may volunteer during the science class; parents with degrees in Humanities in the Humanities class. 

#4 Entrepreneurship Speaker

Invite an entrepreneur parent to inspire and educate students on entrepreneurship. Have students prepare questions.

#5 Culture Speaker

Many parents have traveled extensively, lived abroad, or moved to the USA from another country. These parents are an incredible knowledge resource and an inspiration for students to learn more about the cultures and countries these parents have first-hand knowledge of. If the class is studying a specific topic that aligns with parents’ cultural knowledge, invite parents to share their experiences. Or the class may schedule a special session to study a particular country and its culture.

#6 Special Reader

Invite a parent to read in a classroom or host a special day dedicated to reading. Parents can bring their books to share with the class. 

#7 Chaperone Volunteer

Parents can help to drive students from out-of-campus field trips, class events, and sports events. These activities can be valuable in boosting student participation in after-school activities offered outside campus.

#8 Lunchroom Monitor / Cafeteria Volunteer 

Many schools invite parents to volunteer in the lunchroom or school cafeteria. Online signup and scheduling are of great help. A parent can help coordinate students to their tables, help younger ones open hard-to-open packages, and help clean up. This volunteering work is concrete and highly appreciated in schools.

#9 Weekend Meal Distributor

If your school connects with local non-profits, such as a Food Bank, to help distribute weekend meals for those in need, invite parents to help coordinate the efforts.

#10 Bilingual Spanish-speaking Volunteer

Bilingual parents can be an incredible resource in providing administrative and translation services to the Latino community in the school. 

#11 Event Volunteer

The school’s special events call for parent volunteers. Halloween parties, Christmas parties, Valentine’s Day parties, and Easter Egg Hunt are familiar parties that need parents’ help to organize them. Parents may contribute time and supplies, and their presence will live up and connect the community.

#12 Fundraiser

Schools rely on community fundraising. Parents can use their social media platforms to spread the word about fundraising events and extend their reach beyond the school’s circle. Participating in a fundraising event is a direct way to engage and give back.

#13 Coach

After-school athletic programs, such as soccer, football, and basketball, require coaches, assistant coaches, managers, and assistant managers. Parents can contribute to these positions.

#14 Band or Marching Band Assistant

The music teacher or band lead can use a hand and help from a parent with a passion for music.

#15 School Dismissal Assistant

Directing traffic and helping students navigate their way during afternoon school dismissal is an important volunteer position. 

#16 Media/Communications Volunteer

Parents may contribute their professional skills by taking administrative tasks as community admins for social platforms, newsletter creators, or school news curators. 

#17 Teacher’s Assistant

A school may have more direct needs for a special assistant in a class. The volunteering may include contributing to a language class or helping with practical tasks such as organizing papers and filling folders.

#18 PTA / PTO Member

Encourage parents to join the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Membership in a parent organization is a clear path to parent volunteering and participation.

#19 Member of a Group or Committee for Men

Consider establishing a special committee for dads. Many schools recognize that men are significant in supporting a positive school culture. More than 5000 schools have joined a national The Dads of Great Students (Watch D.O.G.S) program that promotes positive male role models for the students.

#20 Teacher Appreciation Committee Member

This committee will meet around a meaningful mission of organizing concrete ways to show teacher appreciation. The roles may include communicating the needs to parents and volunteering on particular tasks during allocated times. 

#21 Social Committee Member 

Parents will enjoy organizing social events that create meaningful connections with low-level entry. How about a breakfast with parents or a social gathering in a coffee shop? A pickleball tournament or a trip to a winery? Brainstorming ideas is convenient and accessible in a private communication feed for the committee. 

#22 School Beautification Committee Member

Interconnected to sharing special skills, parents may set an example of ecological awareness and caring for the grounds. They may organize events for various beautification projects such as a composting program, repairing and painting, setting up raised garden beds and planters, planting trees, setting up wildflower gardens, maintaining flower beds and public grounds, etc.

#23 Book Club Member

Reading is a common interest many parents have. Creating a book club is convenient with online groups and scheduling tools.

#24 Culture Club Member

Parents can share their cultures in this group. They may host a special evening with local dishes and media, and each takes turns sharing their background.

#25 Exercise Club Member

Many of us want to improve our physical fitness levels. Parents can be a great peer group. A walking or cross-training fitness group is easy to organize on school grounds. Online tools maintain schedules and signups.

The Takeaway

A school represents a community and, as such, should have multiple interaction points and ways for parents to contribute, volunteer, and give back. Detailing volunteering opportunities with easy sign-ups, providing flexible schedules, and fostering an open-door policy with an understanding of each home’s unique circumstances can increase parent engagement.

An easy-to-use online platform for parents and administrators increase efficiencies and improve volunteering rates. Showing appreciation to parents who volunteer and engage is also vital. A school communication platform can distribute this message as well.