The
number one reason men join PTA is "to work to improve the school for the
benefit of my child/children." Therefore, explain how a father's
involvement in PTA shows added interest in his child's education and school
activities, provides greater support for his child's teachers and school and
improves relationships between parents and school personnel. Use specific messaging
and advertising aimed at men. Be sure to show men's involvement in your PTA in
your communications to members and potential members.
Ask
the women in your PTA to invite the men in their children's lives to join PTA.
Moms can (and should) influence dads to join PTA! Create more volunteer
opportunities and special events for dads. Events aimed at fathers can raise
awareness that other fathers are actively involved. When men see that other men
are involved, they are more likely to join. Emphasize that becoming a PTA
member doesn't necessarily involve a large time commitment. Communicate with
men the way they want to be reached. Men want fewer meetings, and at more
convenient times, and they want meetings to have a clear agenda and be
results-oriented. Brief communications tend to make men pay more attention to
the message or issue at hand—and more likely to participate.
Seek
male members in the community. Present the PTA message at local service clubs
that have a large male contingent, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, or Lions clubs. If
men see that other club members support the work of PTA, they might be more
likely to join. Recognize and celebrate members. Reinforcing men's
contributions, while being mindful of what all members do for PTA, creates a
positive atmosphere.
