March Dadness: 25 Ideas for Engaging Fathers in Your PTA/PTO

Gone are the days when Parent Teacher Organizations were solely for moms. Today, dads are stepping up to the plate, eager to participate and contribute to their children’s education and school experiences. Yet, despite this shift in parental involvement, many PTOs still struggle to actively engage fathers in their initiatives. As we enter the month of March, with basketball fever in the air, it’s the perfect time to leverage this enthusiasm to rally dads to join the team.

Let’s explore some creative ways to involve dads as board members, volunteers and engaged parents in their child’s school experience.

Host Dad-Friendly Events

To kickstart March Dadness for your PTO, consider organizing an event that trends more toward their interests. Instead of your traditional meeting this month, host a “Dad’s Night” at school where adults and children can bond over games and activities. You could also arrange a father-child sports tournament, a free throw shoot out, a basketball watch party, or a barbecue. By providing a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, you’ll make participation a lot more inviting for dads.

Highlight Dad Role Models

Do you already have dads who are involved? Share success stories within the school community. Feature photos or videos of their contributions to PTA projects, volunteerism or attendance at school events. Showcasing them as role models can help other dads feel inspired to follow suit and become more engaged.

Encourage Dads to Take the Lead

Whether it’s organizing a father-child reading program, spearheading a school project or leading a workshop on practical skills, involving dads in areas where they feel confident and empowered can increase their sense of ownership and commitment to the PTA.

Offer Flexible Volunteer Opportunities

Like moms, recognize that not all dads have the flexibility to volunteer during traditional school hours. Offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that accommodate different schedules and skills. Whether it is assisting with a weekend fundraiser, contributing to fundraisers from home, or providing professional expertise remotely, flexible options ensure busy parents can still find ways to contribute.

Emphasize the Importance of Fatherhood

Celebrate the vital role that fathers play in their children’s lives. By highlighting the significance of fatherhood, you can encourage more dads to prioritize their children’s education.

25 Ideas for Dad Involvement at School

1. Organize a father-child sports tournament
2. Lead a workshop on basic car maintenance for students
3. Volunteer to coach a school sports team
4. Host a father-child bake sale fundraiser
5. Participate in a child reading program (and be sure to do all the voices for the little ones)
6. Assist with traffic control during pickup and dropoff times
7. Volunteer as a chaperone on field trips
8. Assist with set design and construction for a school play or musical
9. Serve as a guest speaker for career day
10. Help pick up donations from families at the garage sale fundraiser
11. Assist with landscaping or gardening projects around the school
12. Organize a hike or nature adventure
13. Coordinate a community yard cleanup fundraiser
14. Serve on the school’s safety patrol team
15. Participate in bike to school day
16. Serve as a mentor in a particular subject, like STEM
17. Participate in a father-child fitness challenge
18. Serve as a guest judge for a student art exhibit
19. Volunteer for a school field day
20. Offer to teach woodworking or carpentry
21. Sign up to sit in the dunking booth at the next carnival
22. Pick up the pizza for the next PTA/PTO meeting
23. Coordinate a car wash fundraiser
24. Reach out to restaurant or business owners you know to sponsor your school for a night
25. Organize a sports equipment swap as a fundraiser