Looking for a low-pressure way to get involved at school without somehow becoming the VP of All the Things?
Start by going to a PTO or PTA meeting. Seriously.
We know PTO and PTA meetings can seem a little intimidating if you’ve never been to one before. Maybe you picture a room full of parents who already know each other and expect you to volunteer for everything under the sun the second you walk in. But in reality, most PTO meetings are just a bunch of hardworking moms, dads, caregivers - even grandparents and teachers - sitting around a table trying to figure out how to support students and staff. Often, the principal pops by, too.
And honestly, schools get even better when more people show up. More voices mean more ideas. More perspectives. More representation. More helping hands. Whether you have one hour a month or one hour a year you can give to your school, being in the room while decisions about your school community are made matters.
So here’s your first #1HourForSchools challenge: Attend your school’s next PTO or PTA meeting.
That’s it. Just show up and see what it’s all about, and find a small way you can pitch in this year.
And if you do go? Share it on social. Post a selfie in the parking lot before you head in. Or film your POV afterward—especially if it goes something like this: “First PTO meeting…kinda liked it”, or "Me before the PTO meeting vs. me after the PTO meeting".
Use the hashtag #1HourForSchools to encourage other parents and caregivers to go, too.
We're convinced that if we can just get every parent and caregiver to show up once to a PTO or PTA meeting this fall, we can change the entire volunteer base for K-12 schools across the country. That's because once you hear firsthand what's happening at your school, it's kind of hard not to want to get involved. If you do attend, share your PTO or PTA meeting experience on social using the hashtag #1HourForSchools and tag @ptotoday. We know you'll love it! 😊
Let’s make this the year PTO and PTA meetings across America are packed with new faces, fresh ideas, and more community than ever before!
If your school doesn't have a PTO, start one.
No PTO at your school yet? Many great PTOs begin with just one parent saying, “I’ll try.” It’s easier than you might think to get a PTO started, too. Learn how to start a PTO in this free step-by-step guide from PTO Today, the team behind the 1 Hour for Schools movement.
Take the pledge to volunteer for one hour at school through the 1 Hour for Schools movement. Your school could win $3,500!*
*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. See official sweepstakes rules.
