Parents - what would you think if you got this letter.....

[Orinoco]

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None of that stuff about a prize draw would motivate me but I wouldn't mind being reminded of things that I can do to make the nursey work better. Why?

ermmm..id probably help to be honest, but if i couldnt it would make me feel terribly guilty..can you not help them?
It is singling people out a bit too much for my liking..or maybe rewarding the already tireless volunteers..maybe your one of them?..if you can help good but if you cant, the prize isnt going to be that precious i guess, so dont let it worry you

god they're desperate aren't they

I have had my fill of preschool committees,have been chair,so I would do the minimum I'm afraid

After my head stopped birling the first thought was blackmail.It also sounds a bit desperate and hectic.
You have young babies that need looking after and have no spare time to be volunteering for anything except catching up on sleep.

It is noce that they are rewardign tose who give tjeir time up to help them.

At least there is an option for those that find it impossible to actually help in the sessions.

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I would think
a) bloody hell they're desparate for help - is there anything else I can do
b) do they really think that a prize draw will motivate people - I'd be doing this to help them/my dcs out, not for a flipping prize (esp if there's no mention of the actual prizes - my cynical mind says one soap-on-a-rope & a bottle of blue nun)

I'd personally prefer a note saying we're desperate for help - have you thought about whether you can help out with any of the following tasks:
blah, blah, blah

I like the idea of options if you work ft - perhaps options for those with older/younger kids (eg if you have a young baby, we're always happy for them to accompany you - or somthing else if you're not!
Perhaps also asking if people have grandparents who might like to be involved?

Ah YOU are sending it..i would say 1/2 hour = one entry(not what they do in that half hour)..but i like the principle, although like i said some will fel guilty they cant help, but it will spur on those who can..go for it

I think all the points made are good, but the prize draw wouldn't make me do it. I'd forget the draw, but send a letter out with examples of how people can help.

guessed you might be the author
Why do you think begging & pleading aren't working? Have you asked people why they're not volunteering (difficult to do without being confrontational, I know!)

I too would forget the prize draw and just go for the ways people can help. Esp include things parents can do other than offer their time.

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I would prefer a "we're desperate for help with the following: take tea towels home to wash, photocopying sheets, etc etc" - to be completely honest your letter would get my back up - not because I think it is unfair or anything like that but I think it is condescending and speaking to the parent's as you would to the kids. Would make me dig my heals in personally but maybe that's just me. I would even prefer a "we're a charity, we'll have to reduce places if we don't get more help" type letter with a sheet where you can sign up against jobs.

i thikn it is a good idea, and it would definitely make me want to lend a hand.. regardless of the prize draw.. sometimes you don;t realise how much effort is needed for running these things.. so a reminder is good

but you might get people fighting about the easier tasks like washing the towels.

I like the idea actually - rather creative. But I doubt it will work.

Sadly, too many people will not volunteer to do anything unless they have to.

Many groups which have relied on help/support in the past - brownies, toddler groups, playgroups etc. are now either folding completely, or making some kind of 'contribution of time' compulsory to enable attendance of children.

Far too many people are basically selfish and self-centred and are not willing to put themselves out in any way.

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Maybe both? I am told by the woman that manages dd's pre-school that I am the only one that reads her newsletters!!

As a veteran of helping out at kids' school etc, I would HATE to receive that letter and I'm not sure it would motivate those who don't do much. I think an honest letter outlining what help is needed and emphasising that any little contribution is extremely valuable would work better.

What would they win?

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I think a prize draw is patronising tbh

also if you're going to offer one you need to state what can be won, when the closing date is

but I wouldn't do it tbh ..

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Personally (esp if you've done many letters before) I'd try the speech - you can look into their eyes as you ask for help . Ideally, do speech, then stand with a clipboard somewhere where they all have to walk past you to get out - make eye contact as they walk past...

sounds like a horrible horrible idea. patronising
if they want help, ask for it. but dont stick in the foul prize draw stuff

Give the preschool a bottle of whisky for the prize draw?

I am not wonderful with lots of small children - so would rather contribute to the prize rather than actually be in the draw.