What is an effective way to encourage more parents to volunteer in school activities?

An effective way to encourage more parents to volunteer in school activities is to survey them about their volunteer interests. This approach actively engages parents by allowing them to express what types of activities they would be interested in participating in, making them feel valued and heard.

Understanding parents’ preferences can lead to targeted and meaningful opportunities that may align with their skills or passions, thus increasing the likelihood of their participation. When parents see that their input is recognized and taken into account, they are more likely to feel invested in the school community. By tailoring volunteer offerings based on parents' feedback, schools can create a more inclusive and appealing environment for involvement.

In contrast, while a monthly newsletter, anticipating volunteers based on past participation, and hosting an annual volunteer appreciation event may each have their own merits, they do not actively seek input from parents, which is crucial for fostering a culture of engagement and collaboration.