As a parent-led school group leader, you know that building a culture of giving in your school community is about more than one time during the year or donating money or school supplies. It requires creating a mindset of generosity, empathy, and support among students, staff, and families that lasts all year long.
A strong giving culture has a huge impact for a school and its students, as well as the entire school community. Get started cultivating a culture of giving at your school with these three steps.
Acts of kindness are like a chain reaction – when one person demonstrates kindness and generosity, it encourages other people to follow.
Whether it’s a student, teacher, parent, or school staff exhibiting a simple act of kindness like holding the door open for others, offering compliments, or helping someone in need, it can set the tone for a giving culture.
Lead by Example: As a PTA, PTO, or booster club leader, you can set the tone by practicing and modeling acts of kindness by showing appreciation in various ways big and small. Write an encouraging note or volunteer your time to make someone’s day.
School giving projects: Coordinate with school leaders to incorporate projects that empower and encourage students to help others, either within the school or in the community. It could be running a food drive, creating a tutoring program, or visiting with the elderly at the local senior center.
Kindness challenges: Organize "Random Acts of Kindness" challenges that encourage everyone in the school community to carry out kind acts.
Fundraisers like auctions and crowdfunding campaigns give your school community something to rally around, but opportunities for giving also need to go beyond just asking for donations.
By involving students in planning your fundraisers or running a fundraiser that allows them to participate, like an a-thon, you teach them the value of philanthropy and the power of collective effort.
Whether it's raising money for a school initiative or supporting a community cause, these activities build school spirit and a sense of shared responsibility.
Student-led fundraising: Empower students to be part of organizing and participating in fundraisers. Whether it’s a bake sale, a walk-a-thon, or a "penny war," giving students some responsibility allows them to experience firsthand how their efforts can make a difference.
Highlight the impact: Always share the impact of fundraising efforts with the entire school community, including students, so everyone knows how their efforts are making an impact. That reinforces the value of generosity and the power a group of people can have when they work together.
To foster a culture of giving, it’s important to celebrate the acts of kindness and generosity that take place. Beyond encouraging continued giving, recognition gives visibility to the importance of giving and selflessness which can create a ripple effect.
Recognition programs: Create a formal or informal system to recognize those who engage in acts of giving. It could be as simple as posting the act and its impact on a bulletin board in the school for everyone to see or giving a monthly award to someone whose act deserves special recognition.
Spotlight stories: Share stories of giving in school newsletters and in social media posts. Show inspiring examples of students, teachers, staff, or parents who go above and beyond to help others.
Peer-to-peer recognition: Encourage everyone in the school community, especially students, to recognize peers for their acts of kindness. Peer recognition is a great way to foster a sense of community and reinforce the idea that everyone has the power to give in their own way.
Creating a culture of giving at your school isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires intentional planning and organic growth.
When you start with modeling kindness, creating opportunities for others to show kindness, and recognizing kindness when it happens, you can build a lasting culture of generosity that not only benefits your school, but also inspires students and others to be more compassionate and community-minded for life.
