Determine what Earth Day service project is most needed in your community. Remember, do what will be beneficial in YOUR community. As a PTA leader, you know what is most meaningful to the students and families. If you are unsure, here are some suggestions.

• Look at your PTA calendar. Are there Earth Day activities already planned that can be registered as a PTA Day of Service project?
• Conduct a mini needs assessment to determine what is most needed now by using survey data, hosting listening sessions or simply asking school leaders and leaders in the community.
• Partner with organizations that already have something planned.
• Consider the best time and location to host your project to reach as many families in your community as possible.

Form a planning committee by inviting parents, students (if age appropriate), staff and community members to join. Create an action plan and organize your tasks, create a budget, and schedule deadlines. Reach out to local partners to gain support, donations, and community volunteers. Use this toolkit to help you!

Decide whether your PTA Day of Service project will be In-Person or At Home (virtual). Use current health data to determine what is best at the time of your project. Follow CDC guidelines and those outlined by your school leadership.  

If you are able to host in-person events, consider:

• Holding your program outside
• Holding your program in a large open space, allowing proper spacing between families
• Cleaning surfaces before and after program
• Offering masks and wipes/hand sanitizer at the door/welcome table

Here are a few examples of service projects that PTAs have done before. Be creative and host a service project that will make a difference to your community.

A Better Environment

• Gun safety awareness, recycling project, beautification project on the school grounds, yard cleanups for the elderly, community garden projects

Be sure to create a landing page on your PTA’s website or the school’s website where those interested in supporting a PTA can be sent, allowing people to support YOUR PTA.

People will be encouraged to support a PTA in these ways:

• To volunteer for a PTA Day of Service project nearby
• To donate to a PTA
• To join a PTA in which they are not currently a member

Therefore, make sure your landing page includes:

• A way for people to volunteer for your PTA Day of Service project with project details and an online volunteer sign-up if open to volunteers outside of your membership
• A way for people to donate to your PTA
• A way for people to join your PTA

Don’t have a PTA website, no problem. Ask your school if you may use the school website.

Your goal is to get as many people as possible to participate in your PTA Day of Service project. Engage the entire community! Use these customizable flyers and templates to promote your PTA Day of Service.

Make your PTA Day of Service project highly impactful by preparing materials and/or information ahead of time, ensuring a welcoming environment and sharing your successes!  

Take pictures and have your participants complete a photo release form so your PTA and National PTA can share your successes.

Encourage engagement from the entire community! At the end, thank volunteers and community members for their service.

Congratulations! You successfully hosted your PTA Day of Service project.

Use this sample template to thank your amazing volunteers and project attendees. Don’t forget to share your success with your community, district/council school and PTA leadership, elected officials and National PTA. Share with National PTA on social media using the hashtags #PTAProud and #HowWePTA. Also, complete the Service Project Feedback form, letting us know all about the difference you are making!