Recent research suggests that fostering a sense of mattering—the idea that individuals feel valued and recognise their contributions as significant—can achieve significant results for pupils, boosting their academic and social success. This concept applies to parents too. When parents feel they matter, their engagement deepens, benefiting not just their children but the entire school community.
Parent Associations (PAs) and PTAs are uniquely positioned to embed mattering into their efforts, creating vibrant, collaborative communities where parents, students, and staff thrive. Drawing on Charles Vogl’s principles for building meaningful communities, this article explores how PAs and PTAs can make mattering a cornerstone of their success.
Why Mattering Matters for Parent Groups
For PAs and PTAs, the ripple effect of mattering starts with relationships. Parents who feel recognised and valued are more motivated to participate, contribute, and advocate for their schools. Here’s how fostering mattering can transform your parent group:
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Inspiring Active Participation Parents who feel they belong are more likely to step up as volunteers, attend events, and engage in meaningful ways. This creates a virtuous cycle of involvement that strengthens the entire school community.
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Building Parent Confidence When parents know their contributions matter, they exude a sense of belonging and purpose. This confidence positively influences their children, who model these attitudes in their own relationships and schoolwork.
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Creating a Unified Community A PTA that actively involves parents builds trust and collaboration among members, creating a network of support that extends to teachers and students alike.
Strategies for Building Mattering into PTA Efforts
Charles Vogl’s principles for building meaningful communities provide a practical framework for PAs and PTAs to cultivate mattering.
1. Shared Values: The Heart of Connection
Successful PAs and PTAs are built on shared values. By clearly articulating your group’s mission and emphasising collaboration, you can foster a culture of inclusion and recognition.
Action Tip: Host events like “Parent Appreciation Nights”. Make sure that you thank parents personally for their contributions. @mention them on Classlist is a great way of letting them know they matter.
2. Inner Rings: Welcoming Parents In
Inner rings—smaller, intentional groups within the PTA—can deepen connections and create safe spaces for meaningful engagement. These groups offer parents opportunities to share their talents and ideas in impactful ways.
Action Tip: Form committees for specific projects like event planning, fundraising, or parent mentoring. Make it explicit that committee members have been selected because they have done something amazing in the past. They genuinely have skills to contribute rather than being a friend of the PTA chair. These smaller groups that comprise other peers who've made a difference help parents feel seen and valued.
Action Tip: Ensure that your Reps and Parent Ambassadors are easily accessible for parents to view (such as on Classlist's school profile page) and identify their representatives.
3. Rituals: Recognising Contributions
Rituals are a powerful way to reinforce belonging and celebrate achievements. Whether it’s an annual tradition or a simple acknowledgment, these moments matter.
Action Tip: Create yearly rituals like “Volunteer Recognition Ceremonies” or “Family Day Celebrations” to highlight parent efforts.
Action Tip: Create badges for your top volunteers and committee to wear at events. They've earned this status and deserve this visibility.
4. Transparency: Strengthening Trust
Transparent communication is a cornerstone of mattering. By keeping parents informed and involved, PTAs demonstrate respect for their time and intelligence.
Action Tip: Use a centralised platform (like Classlist) to share updates, organise events, and celebrate milestones. Ensure communications are consistent and inclusive.
From Parent Advocates to Community Builders
When PAs and PTAs make parents feel they matter, these individuals naturally become advocates for the group’s mission. Parents who are engaged and valued will not only support your initiatives but also amplify your reach by encouraging others to get involved.
Parents as Advocates
Engaged parents are the best ambassadors for your PTA. When they see their voices and efforts making a difference, they’ll spread the word, encouraging others to join and support the community.
PAs and PTAs as Champions of Mattering
The concept of mattering is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for creating engaged, vibrant school communities. By embracing mattering as a guiding principle, PAs and PTAs can unlock the full potential of their parent networks, inspiring lasting connections and collaboration.
When parents feel they belong, their impact radiates outward, benefiting children, teachers, and the broader school community. How is your PTA fostering a culture of mattering? Share your success stories and inspire others to take action!
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