I believe we all can agree that when both parents, or other adult role models, are involved in a child’s education, that child is more successful. Study after study proves that to be a documented fact. What can you do? Get engaged and more specifically get men engaged!

In early November, National PTA hosted our first-ever Male Involvement Summit in Atlanta. Present were men who represented all of our states as well as schools from overseas. The conference provided new tools and ideas for engaging men in the educational environment; tools that can be used by our states, councils, districts and local units.

Currently men represent only 10% of over five million PTA members worldwide. To me this is a great opportunity. Through the MORE alliance (Men Organized to Raise Engagement), PTA leaders can find resources and plans to help add to your engagement efforts.

However, even with these great tools there is always one concern, time.
No matter how great the plan or sales pitch, we still have adults who are resistant towards volunteering, and the lack of time is a common reason. Valid point but easily addressed. In those cases, I would suggest the use of a National PTA program called “Three for Me.”

In simple terms, “Three for Me” asks any interested adult (mom, dad, grandparents, families and community members) to donate three hours to the school over the entire school year. Not three hours a month or week, rather the entire year.
How many of you can leave home, drive to a movie, see the movie and return home in less than 180 minutes? That’s the three hours we’re asking for. Male engagement is a great way to show how successful this program can be for your school and students!

Helping a student with their reading, math or homework skills is not that hard. Helping a teacher at lunch is not that hard. My point is that there is something to do at a school that can fit anyone’s time and talent, and in this case men can meet that challenge.

As we move forward to create a new level of engagement for men, please see that your school supports such a cause. The students will reap the benefits.


Until next time . . .