Outreach

Outreach is PTAs commitment to include the entire community in all phases of PTA programs and activities. It is of such importance that it must be given top priority when planning PTA activities.

WHAT TO DO

Form an outreach committee whose members are representative of the school and community.

Survey the school and community by questionnaire, by telephone, or door-to-door. Find out what type of activities would interest them. Find out what might prevent them from becoming involved: language barriers, transportation, baby-sitting needs, times of activities, etc. Find out what constitutes involvement to the people being surveyed.

Develop an Outreach Plan That
Responds to the Survey Findings

Set reasonable goals. What does the PTA want to accomplish?

Develop activities that include, and would be of interest to students, single parent families, working parents, grandparents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, non-English speaking people, and community business people.

Provide a translator for meetings, as needed. Reach out through other groups to co-sponsor events or activities with:

Other committees or chairmen within the PTA organization;
Student leadership and school organizations;
Parent advisory committees, such as local area councils, bilingual groups and boosters; and other unit, council and district PTAs in the community, area and state;
Community groups and agencies; and
Government community groups and agencies, senior centers and civic organizations, cultural groups, local chambers of commerce and businesses. Promote and publicize activities through PTA newsletters, e-mail,Web site, flyers, local newspapers, personal telephone calls, public service announcements (PSAs), and other newsletters.

Determine what is the most effective method of distributing printed material: mail, take home, handouts, or personal delivery by adult. Communicate opportunities beyond PTA activities to appreciate and learn more about cultures from around the world (e.g., museums, festivals, special events/activities, books, TV programs, videos and movies).

For more ideas, see Tips for Promoting Your PTA (6.2, 263).

EVALUATING OUTREACH

Evaluate each activity while in progress or at its completion. Evaluate accomplishments at the end of the year. Ask oneself and ones committee:

Were we successful in our outreach efforts?
Did those participating show an interest in the program?
Will they come again? Will they bring others?
Was it accessible to them?
Will they become involved on the PTA board?
What would the unit do differently?
Were there conflicts in planning (scheduling, translators, facilities)?
Was the program timely?
How could the unit reach more people?
What made the program a success?
Were the goals reached? Do the goals need to be revised?

Improving Outreach

Events and publicity are two strategies for improving PTA outreach efforts.

PLANNING A SPECIAL EVENT

Whether planning a special membership event or presenting a membership kick-off at Back to School Night, the following will help you organize the activity (Creating an Event 7.3, 284; Forms 367-376).

Select a date and reserve it on the school and community calendar. Ask the school board president/ representative, mayor, or other civic officials to proclaim PTA Day (or PTA Week) and publicize scheduled events. (Sample Proclamation Fig. 3-8,89) Use the local media wherever possible, and remember, the best advertising is "word of mouth."

For a complete understanding about the tools needed to publicize the PTA and promote the membership campaign, refer to Tips for Promoting Your PTA 6.2, 263; and Creating APTA Public Relations Campaign 6.2.7a, 271.

Invite everybody to the event. To generate enthusiasm, include some "special" people school principal, school board representative, superintendent, school district officials, community leaders, faculty, PTA board member, and past unit presidents. If the school is fortunate enough to have a few celebrities in the area who are willing to be involved, include them also. Remember to include non-English-speaking people and families with a verbal invitation.

Have a well-organized program for a successful membership promotion. A short, but "spirited" presentation will be more effective than a long drawn-out affair. Have colorful displays; information on PTA enrollment and involvement; and describe how PTA works to serve the needs of all children. Music and fun, along with light refreshments, can enhance the festivities.

Thank everyone for coming to the event. This will serve as a reminder to join the PTA now, tomorrow, or maybe even next year! Above all, be a gracious host to everyone whether or not they have joined the PTA.

The California State PTA strongly urges unit, council and district PTAs to refrain from serving alcoholic beverages at PTA functions. Alcoholic beverages can not be service on public school property. PTAs may not engage in the sale of alcoholic beverages. See Insurance and Loss Prevention Guide, Red Section.

OMDR WEBINARS
Welcome to PTA's online seminars (webinars) for the Online Membership Data Reporting system. These sessions will take no more than 45 minutes, and will give you a guided tour of Online Membership Data Reporting system and how to use it.

The following publications may be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat PDF format:

Involvement Makes A Difference (Black & White) (in English) [pdf]

Involvement Makes A Difference (Color) (in English) [pdf]

Involvement Makes A Difference (Black & White) (in Spanish) [pdf]

Involvement Makes A Difference (Color) (in Spanish) [pdf]

Put Yourself In The PTA Picture
(in English) [pdf]

Put Yourself In The PTA Picture
(in Spanish) [pdf]