How Parents Serve as "Communications Link" for New High School PTO Program
(July 12, 2004)

Grassroots public relations programs succeed when they build relationships with key constituents in the community.

An excellent example of this is a new PTO-sponsored Liaison Program, which wrapped up its first year in June at Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF).

The suburban school, just west of Chicago, enrolls more than 3,000 students from its two namesake villages, which have a diverse, combined population of more than 64,000. OPRF is one of the 20 largest high schools in Illinois.

PTO leaders recognized the challenge of keeping parents informed and connected at the high school level - in academics, fine and performing arts, clubs and sports. In addition, the PTO wanted to ensure that the school's leadership, local social service agencies, parent groups, key community groups and other significant constituencies stayed in the loop.

With support from administration, more than 30 enthusiastic high school parents participated in this pilot effort, which launched in January.

Their jobs were to start a dialogue and build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

The Liaison Program seemed to be a win-win situation for all three groups - the high school, the communities and the PTO.

Attendance went up at many PTO meetings, with Liaisons sharing news and concerns. Parents had an opportunity to get to know division heads and teachers, and learn more about how the school operates - for example, by attending a meeting of the World Languages Department, getting a tour of the science labs or learning more about school board issues.

Liaisons brainstormed with their assigned groups - resulting in ideas for new collaborative projects next year, such as a parents' math night program, development of an athletic directory of club sports and a weekend activity program featuring "open gym" time at school.

As with any new program, some start-up challenges surfaced. But a survey has shown that participants like being part of this dialogue, thereby leading parents, to feel more connected.

Having two daughters at OPRF, I had an opportunity to work with the team that helped launch - on a volunteer basis - this innovative program, which will continue in the fall.

The lessons of the Liaison Program can be applied to any organization. Improving communications leads to greater awareness, understanding and more effective partnerships - which means greater alignment among individuals and groups with a common interest.

-- Vicky Lekovish