When the new school year is fast approaching, you know it’s time to refresh your PTA or PTO goals.
Whether you already have ideas or are starting with a clean slate, you'll want to assess your needs and envision your success. What better way to do that than finding new ways to approach your PTA or PTO goals and objectives?
Below, we share tips for refreshing your PTA and PTO goals—everything from fundraising to communication and participation targets.
Before deciding on your game plan for the year, you need to set SMART targets to move the needle toward tangible results. A SMART goal is defined as:
When you combine these, your SMART goal is this: The PTA will run two fundraising events to raise $5,000 by January to update the playground.
Plus, you can set school fundraising targets for anything, from raising money for classroom supplies to improving student safety with new playground equipment.
When refreshing your PTA or PTO goals for the upcoming year, don't forget to ask yourself the following to stay on track and hold yourself and your organization accountable:
Considering these questions can help you set your PTA or PTO goals effectively.
Hoping to hit new financial goals with your fundraisers this year? While traditional options like bake sales or family game nights work well, you can also switch it up with ideas like:
By offering a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, you can make participation more accessible, boost engagement, and maximize your earnings. If your PTA or PTO has been running the same fundraiser for years, consider mixing it up to reach a wider audience.
Not sure which fundraising ideas to try first? Check out this free 12-Month Fundraising Workbook, packed with creative, seasonal ideas to keep your efforts fresh—and help your PTA or PTO potentially raise $10,000 or more in a year.
One major roadblock many PTAs and PTOs face is reaching the right people, from members to community leaders. If increasing awareness is among your PTA or PTO goals this year, improving and diversifying your communication methods can help you spread your messages more efficiently.
Here are some tips for specific communication channels:
Better communication also makes discussing your PTA or PTO goals easier with parents, teachers, and the community.
Read more: PTO and PTA Ideas for Back-to-School Events
Lastly, if your PTA or PTO goals focus on increasing involvement, aim to lower barriers to entry or offer flexible ways for parents to participate without demanding additional time or energy.
One way to do this is to coordinate parents' strengths and interests with relevant jobs.
For example, talkative, outgoing parents with open schedules may prefer to be chaperones or leaders at events. Parents with less time or personality differences may prefer to help with bookkeeping or social media.
You can also make involvement more convenient by offering refreshments or child care at after-school meetings. These ideas can help parents participate in your PTA or PTO by alleviating some of their other responsibilities.
Additionally, consider low-effort fundraisers like RaiseRight that make it easy for even the busiest families to get involved. Not every parent has time to volunteer or attend events, but everyone shops.
With RaiseRight, families can support your PTA or PTO simply by shopping or dining at places they love. They can buy gift cards for everyday purchases or gifting, shop online using affiliate links, or dine at participating restaurants, earning up to 20% back for your PTA or PTO.
With hundreds of brands to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Parents can effortlessly contribute to your PTA or PTO through their routine spending, without any extra commitments.
Here are some next steps to get the ball rolling: