In an effort to figure out ways to get the most families involved, I emailed a reading specialist at a very diverse school in Fairfax County, Virginia. I asked her to speak to parent involvement in her school's PTA, the how to get parents involved, and how to communicate with everyone (not just English and Spanish speaking parents). This was her response:
"Our PTA is not very big – as the second language parents are often hesitant to participate. When we do want a lot of parent participation in an event, we offer free food or giveaways. We always have a Spanish translator at events (usually a teacher or aide from the school) and letters are sent home in multiple languages. The other languages are left to their own. The programs I run, like the clothing give-away, book swaps and holiday toy drive, are run by teachers/staff for the benefit of the community, but the community is not involved in the working part."
Though the reading specialist is not boasting a particularly large PTA, I really like some of the ideas about free food and giveways, book swaps, give aways, toy drives, etc. I hate to say it, but these things motivate people. I would love if every parent was able to come to every meeting. But that is not realistic. I know how people feel at the end of the workday. They want to get home and get on with their lives. I myself have only been to a handful of meetings. To get them into the routine of going, they are going to need something to motivate them. This was the same feedback that I got from the former PTA president at my school.
What do you think? Would you come for a free hot dinner? What about a new book for your child?
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