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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PTA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
To access exclusive PTA member benefits, you will need the LOGIN information found on the back of your PTA membership card.
LEGOLAND California is giving away FREE child's admission tickets to all California PTA members!*
Click on the LEGOLAND Logo below for more information.
*CONDITIONS APPLY
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TIPS FOR ASKING (People to Join Your PTA)
Be yourself. If you are genuine and your reasons for joining ring true, people will be more
likely to join. Use your own experiences - explain why you joined, and why you believe it is a
good organization with which to be associated.
Be enthusiastic. When you show excitement and enthusiasm for PTA, it is infectious. If you are uninspired, so are the listeners.
Challenge them. Tell prospective members what PTA has accomplished in the past, and challenge them to contribute to the bright future of PTA at your school.
Don't apologize. You don't have to apologize for doing good work and asking people to join as long as you are conscientious and respectful.
Come prepared. Showing up is half the battle. Having things organized and usable is the other half. Your attention to detail strengthens the reputation of PTA and demonstrates respect and concern for the potential member's time.
Don't wait until the last minute. Many people put off the "unpleasantness" of asking for membership dues until the very end of a meeting or event. If you leave this important task to the end, you may run out of time, or not be able to answer questions about PTA.
Bring backup. Always bring another volunteer to help you. People join for different reasons, and talking to other members often sells people on PTA. Ask a member to give a testimonial as to why he or she joined, and why joining is important.
Don't be argumentative. Sometimes you just have to accept "no" for an answer. While it's okay to clarify misinformation someone may have about PTA, don't try to change their mind.
Be respectful of other opinions and choices. If you show understanding now, you won't turn
the person off to possibly joining later.
Make lemons into lemonade. Sometimes even the most reluctant person can be turned
around. Don't let concerns or complaints go unresolved. Word-of-mouth alone may cause
others to be hesitant about joining.
Don't take rejection personally. If the person you ask to join PTA says "no", think of it as
their deciding not to take advantage this time of the opportunity you offered. Be sure to ask
again later - the answermay be different.
Follow through. If you promise someone an answer, get him or her one. If you agreed to
meet somewhere, be there.
Thank them. Everyone appreciates acknowledgment. Thank people for their support when
they join. Thank non-members for their time. Thank everyone for their attention. If
prospective members know their membership not only makes a difference, but also is
appreciated, they will be more likely to join.
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BEST PRACTICES: Ideas to Encourage Membership
Take turns inviting guests. Ask volunteers to bring potential members to PTA meetings or
events. Be sure to introduce special guests and welcome them. Consider inviting your spouse
and other adult family members.
Look up old friends and previous PTA leaders. Pull out old membership rosters and ask
people whose membership has lapsed to join again. Have members think about other groups
they belong to where they might encourage colleagues to join.
Consider a contest. Reward those who recruit the most members during your membership
campaign. Choose different goals, like "the most community business memberships."
Feature great programs. Enhance your school's arts class with the Reflections Program.
Set out to achieve Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification. Host a walkathon
to demonstrate PTA's concern for children's physical wellbeing. Find out what your school
and families need, and let your PTA be a relevant resource.
Start a speaker's bureau. Think about the untapped talent within your PTA. There is
probably more than one person who could speak to community groups, businesses and
organizations about the importance of PTA and the work PTA is doing - and then distribute
PTA brochures.
Knock on doors. Visit stores and businesses in your community and let people know about
the work your PTA is doing. Invite them to join.
Set up shop. Have a table with membership brochures at every school function (orientation
nights, school plays, musical performances, sporting events, etc.) and let people know what the
PTA is doing for their children.
Sing your praises. Take every opportunity to share your successes and highlight your
accomplishments. Invite and involve the media in every major project that you do!
Recognize recruiters. Recruitment is hard work and it deserves to be recognized. Provide
certificates of appreciation and thank them publicly, at events and in your newsletters.
Roll out the welcome mat. Let guests know they are welcome to attend meetings and
events. Think about a welcome committee so that each new person gets a buddy who can
answer questions. Be sure to recognize new members at every meeting, and introduce them
to your PTA.
Give new members a chance to shine. Rather than having the usual suspects manage your
newsletter, science night, or family dinner and movie...let a newcomer take the lead. If you
ask people to volunteer or sign up to assist in some way, be sure to take them up on
their offer throughout the year.
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