The parent teacher association at school, or PTA as more people know it, often has a bad reputation. People imagine a clique of bossy, overbearing mums who hassle everyone as they walk past to bake cakes for the next cake sale.
The reality is that the PTA is a group of staff members and parents who want to raise money to provide extras for the school and the pupils, and that is only ever a good thing, right? The problem is that with many parents trying to juggle parenting and full-time work, they just don’t have the time or the energy to commit to something else.
However, when it comes to supporting your PTA, there are so many things that you can do that don’t involve you giving up your valuable weekends but can see you make a group of friends and benefit the children at the school. Let’s take a look at some.
Put forward ideas
Everyone is automatically a member of their school’s PTA, but you don’t have to be actively attending all of the meetings and events to put forward any good ideas that you have for fundraising. Most schools really encourage to get parents to engage, so if you did have any ideas – perhaps some fun colour powder runs – to raise money, then email your school office and ask them to pass on your thoughts.
Sponsor them
If you are a business owner or have some sway in your workplace, see if you can sponsor your PTA. Perhaps you could commit to matching 10% of their fundraising efforts next year, or sponsor their next event or a stall at the event in return for some advertising. This is also a beneficial move for your business.
Send in prizes and donations
Ok, so you might end up winning it back at the next tombolo or raffle, but if you have any fancy bubble baths lying around that you aren’t going to use, or that board game that has all the bits but no one in your house plays, send it in. It clears out stuff you no longer need and raises money for the school – it’s a win all round!
Offer your services
Can you blow up balloon shapes, or paint faces? Maybe you are great at braiding or nail art? If you have a talent, offer a couple of hours of your time once or twice a year for fairs and events. Your PTA will really appreciate it!
Be part of the setup or clean up crew
PTA’s always needs people to help with setting up or clearing up after an event. If you are happy to get involved with putting chairs and tables away and collecting things up to go back to their rightful place, volunteer your services.
Attend events
Even if you can’t help with the organising and running side of events, your PTA and school will appreciate your support in attending events. After all, if no one goes, they won’t make any money. Pop along to the Summer fayre, head to the bingo night and show your support.
