OVERVIEW: The Parent Involvement Perks Program

WHAT is the Parent Involvement Perks Program (PIPP) of the AmericaTakingAction.com National Education Network (ATA)?

This is a program where a variety of family oriented businesses  provide 'perks' to parents who make involvement pledges.

WHY was the program designed?

The program was designed with the intent to help boost parent involvement in schools, and particularly PTA/PTO membership and active involvement.  By offering discounts on a variety of family oriented products and services to parents  who make the effort to get involved, we help to increase the likelihood that parents will join their local parent organization and/or follow-through on the pledge that they make to get involved in their schools. 

WHO is the program available to? and WHO can benefit from it?

The program is available to all PTA/PTO leaders and parents in America.  It can be used by PTA/PTO leaders to boost PTA membership.

It is also available to business owners with an online presence to gain exposure in their local area or even in other areas across the nation.

WHERE can I find the details?

You can view the perks available to your state by going to http://www.americatakingaction.com and following the link through to your state page.  Toward the top of the page you will find a link to get to the PIPP offerings for your state.  You can also go directly to the site for your page by typing in http://www.americatakingaction.com/states/**/**perks.htm (replace the ** with your state code).

HOW do I use the program to benefit my school?

PTA/PTO Leaders:  You can utilize the site to increase membership by including the link in your membership promotional materials, in your school newsletter, and in on-line communications.  Be sure to link the site into your website.  This tool can be used to encourage membership throughout the year.

If you would like to have the tool be even more effective, you can register your school and provide a list of members who have qualified to receive the discounts.  Otherwise, the program is available to parents based on their willingness to make a pledge of involvement.  Those pledges will then be followed up with random emails from the PIPP Director.

Parents:  Be sure to notify your school and parent organization leaders so that they can utilize the program.  As parents, be sure to register and make your involvement pledge.  Then take advantage of the various 'perks' available to you.

Business Leaders:  If you are willing to offer a 'perk' to parents who get involved in their students' school you will want to review the other articles in his group to see which level of participation best fits your business.