Volunteer

The list of needs a volunteer can fill is endless and the special talents of volunteers cannot be purchased. Every community has available talent and resources that will benefit the PTA and, in turn, the students. People will be more supportive of public education when asked to share some of their time as volunteers. A volunteer can be many things: a role model for students, an extra pair of hands to help teachers or staff, and a liaison between the school and community.

Who Can Be a Volunteer?

Working parents, stay-at-home parents, young adults, grandparents–basically anyone can be an invaluable PTA volunteer. The volunteer does not have to be a college graduate and can be young or middle-aged, work outside the home or within the home, or be retired.

What Skills Are Required?

While there is always a need for those with expertise in a given area such as communications, marketing, social media, legislation, etc., any volunteer with a desire to learn new skills who is willing to actively participate and follow through is welcome to submit an application.

Why Do People Volunteer?

Most people will volunteer because they have specifically been asked. And, of course, many will volunteer for fun and socialization.

In addition, many people volunteer with PTA to:

• Feel needed
• Learn something new
• Explore a career
• Get to know a community
• Help someone
• Gain a skill
• Test themselves
• Become an “insider”
• Test leadership skills
• Have a sense of purpose
• Keep busy
• Feel good
• Have an impact
• Be part of a team
• Make new friends
• Share a skill/talent
• Gain status
• Demonstrate commitment to a cause
• Do one’s duty
• Keep skills alive
• Fill a gap
• Have an excuse to do something they love
• See that resources are well allocated
• Be a watchdog
• Because there is no one else to do it
• Have an alternative to giving money

Take Action, It’s Time to Get Involved

Whatever your reasons for wanting to volunteer, we welcome any member to apply for a committee position, apply for a region service delivery team position, or apply to be a region director with Washington State PTA by completing this online form. There is a wide range of positions available at the state level with a variety of options for your skill sets and time availability. Learn more. To volunteer at a local PTA or council please contact that PTA’s leadership.