| A parent who volunteers regularly in the classroom | | | | they played. Don't allow cliques within the group to |
| can be a lifesaver for a busy teacher. Unfortunately, | | | | form - they will be counterproductive in the long run. |
| finding those parents who are willing to volunteer isn't | | | | Listen when volunteers have an idea. It's easy to get |
| always so easy. And sometimes it can seem like it's | | | | into a rut when things are always done a certain way. |
| as much work to keep your volunteers involved as it | | | | Encourage all volunteers to be open-minded when |
| would be to just do the tasks yourself. Here are some | | | | someone has an idea. New people and new ideas are |
| easy ways to keep parent volunteers happy and | | | | a great way to bring life and excitement to an |
| motivated to help throughout the entire year! | | | | otherwise hum-drum project that might be due for a |
| Give a warm welcome to new volunteers. Don't forget | | | | change. |
| to introduce everyone and be careful not to | | | | Match talent to the project. If you find out a volunteer |
| inadvertently exclude a new volunteer from the | | | | is a great baker, see if she would like to organize the |
| conversation. Every volunteer should feel welcome | | | | annual bake sale. Do you have a talented painter in the |
| and appreciated. Give new volunteers an opportunity | | | | group? Ask her to paint the backdrop for the class |
| to ask questions and feel a part of the group. And | | | | play. Matching someone's talent and interests to an |
| make sure someone is available to show them around | | | | appropriate task will help create a quality project - and |
| the building so they know where the bathroom, | | | | will likely increase future participation. |
| supplies and other necessities are located. | | | | Get feedback. Check in with your volunteers as often |
| Make sure the mission is clear. Sometimes tasks are | | | | as you can. Find out how a project is going and how |
| completed in steps and by different people in | | | | they feel about the progress that's been made. Do |
| assembly line fashion. It will help your volunteers work | | | | they need anything more to complete the task? |
| more effectively if they understand how their part will | | | | Frequent contact can head off potential snags and |
| impact the finished product and what the ultimate goal | | | | show your volunteers you care about their needs. |
| is. Make sure everyone knows what is expected and | | | | Don't forget to say thank you. Everyone wants to feel |
| when it needs to be completed. | | | | appreciated, no matter how insignificant their role. A |
| Teamwork rules. One of the most powerful | | | | volunteer must give up personal time to help out, so |
| motivators for human beings is the feeling of belonging. | | | | don't ever underestimate their value to your |
| Instill a sense of teamwork with volunteers from the | | | | classroom's success. A personal thank-you note, either |
| start. When a project is completed, congratulate | | | | hand-written or emailed, will go a long way in showing |
| everyone for a job well done, no matter what part | | | | your volunteers they are valued - and needed. |