Unlocking involvement in your community organisation
15 Nov 2024 - Ticketize Team
Getting people involved in your community organisation can be a challenge. A recent survey provides useful evidence about the barriers to parents getting involved in PTAs which has a relevance to other community organisations.
Main barriers to parental involvement
The National Parent Survey 2023 provides a valuable insights about what is putting off parents and carers from getting more involved with their school PTA.
The report found that while most parents and carers want to be more involved in their child’s school, fewer than 10% feel they are as engaged as they’d like to be. This significant gap highlights a valuable opportunity for PTAs to increase participation.
- Time constraints - nearly 50% of parents, especially those juggling work and family commitments, cite a lack of time as their biggest hurdle to involvement. The demands of daily life can often leave little room for additional commitments.
- Feeling intimidated - about 20% of parents report feeling intimidated by the idea of getting involved. The unknown can be daunting, especially for those who are new to the school community or unsure of the expectations.
- Lack of invitations - interestingly, one-fifth of parents have never been asked to help. This lack of outreach can make them feel overlooked and less inclined to participate.
- Uncertainty about contributions - many parents are unsure about how they can contribute or whether their involvement would make a difference. Without clear communication, potential volunteers may hesitate to step forward.
Ideas to increase involvement
To boost engagement, organisations can implement several strategies to address these barriers:
- Flexible volunteering - offer short-term, virtual, or at-home tasks to accommodate busy schedules. This flexibility allows people to contribute without feeling overwhelmed.
- Create an inclusive environment - directly invite poeple to volunteer, offer welcome sessions for newcomers and clearly communicate different volunteer roles. Making people feel welcome and informed can significantly increase participation.
- Personal invitations - instead of generic calls for help, send personalised invitations asking for assistance with specific tasks. A direct approach can make people feel valued and included.
- Streamline processes - use tools like Google Drive for sharing documents and Ticketize for easy ticket sales to reduce the complexity of organising events. Simplified processes can help alleviate the burden on busy people.
- Show impact - regularly share the positive outcomes of involvement, such as improved facilities or successful events. Highlighting the tangible benefits can motivate others to join in.
By understanding the barriers to engagement and offering flexible, welcoming opportunities, community organisations including PTAs, can foster a more engaged and supportive community, ultimately leading to higher engagement and greater fundraising success.
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