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Benefits of Managing Fundraising Events Online

3/22/2021

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Effective PTA leaders have many duties. They have endless parenting obligations, and must commit to becoming a resource to other parents in the community. PTA leaders focus on fundraising because they firmly believe their altruism will help not just their children, but all the children of that school community. As a PTA leader, you might find it challenging to balance these responsibilities. Take the time to understand the online tools at your disposal, and your local PTA will reap many exciting and lucrative benefits.
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Social media reaches more people 
The number of social media users is growing exponentially. According to Hootsuite and We Are Social, more than 4 billion people around the world use social media each month since October 2020, which was an increase of more than 12 percent in the prior year.
More than 4 billion people around the world use social media each month.
It makes perfect sense for PTA leaders to consider how using social media can boost fundraising by targeting specific audiences. For example, The Balance Small Business claims that millennials (the first generation who grew up plugged into the internet) prefer online and social giving. Take a look at how connected to technology your PTA members are. Using smartphones have become a way of life for most. Utilize and mobilize your social media presence to spread the word about fundraising events.
​Mobile and online payments simplify the process 
Offering online and/or mobile payment and donation options do more than just help you broaden your reach. They remove the need for donors to have cash and checks on hand. Accepting online payments leverages today’s tech with potential donors - it’s only a few clicks from decision to completion of payment. That’s why online donation campaigns see more overall dollars collected. It’s not just easy, it’s a familiar process that donors feel innately comfortable with.  According to a Cone Communications study, 48 percent of American adults are likely to use an app to make a donation. What are you waiting for? You can broaden your reach (and increase your donations) by using mobile and online payment methods.
Effective imagery and videos improve engagement 
Whether you are looking to grab the attention of potential donors, spread the word about a cause, or inspire volunteerism, utilizing images and videos are powerful storytelling tools. Use imagery that appeals to your donors' emotions, and shows the needs for funds and benefits of giving - it beats text-heavy messages.
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According to The Guardian, people are more likely to donate to a cause when it means something to them. This is also why crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising are so effective. Use effective imagery and video to help tell your story, and let them feel connected to the cause you want them to support.
Email drives donations 
Email is a powerful tool for driving PTA social media presence and donations. Just ask the people behind the M&R Benchmarks Study who found that for every 1,000 fundraising emails delivered, a nonprofit organization raises $45 on average. When you make emails engaging and fun, you might even pick up some email subscribers.

Keeping your email contacts organized in an online platform makes it seamless to communicate with your whole audience and track their responses. You can test and target your messages to specific recipients, and optimize your fundraising efforts to meet your goals every time.

Beyond emails, organizing your contacts on the platform into customized distribution lists drives engagement in a specific way most suited to your needs. Set them up to send thank-you messages anytime someone donates, or send donation campaign details to any new contacts. Your options aren’t limitless, they’re better: They’re specifics built exactly for you and your local PTA.

By making the most of online tools such as social media, electronic payment options, photo sharing, and email, you can be more successful in your fundraising efforts. memberplanet's integrated platform makes it easy to use these tools, and offers local PTAs an edge that will make managing fundraising events more effective and engaging.
Learn more about fundraising on the memberplanet blog.
PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.

Updated since original publication on 9/22/2017.
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About Mercie Macatrao

Providing best-in-class support to all clients, including PTAs, military groups, and nonprofits is Mercie's expertise. She has the ability to troubleshoot complex issues and provide guidance to anyone, regardless of technical experience. She's also an avid photographer and baker of the best chocolate chip cookies ever. ​

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3 Best Ways to Get Your Fall Fundraising Event Started

8/31/2020

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When a new school year approaches, back-to-school time is without a doubt one of the busiest times for a PTA. There's the stress of adjusting to early mornings, new routines since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the withdrawals of summer. On the flip side, it's rewarding to see PTA efforts in full swing, and it can be a ton of fun when they're effectively orchestrated. To help you get a head start, we’ve put together the three best ways to organize your fall fundraiser, the first major event for many PTAs. Learning your 1, 2, 3’s has never been so easy. 
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1. PTA member with a plan: plan ahead  
​Organization is your golden ticket to running a virtual event smoothly, and you not pulling your hair out. Create a checklist with basic items (budget, timeline, materials, etc.). Your fellow PTA members will look to your leadership to steer the planning process and keep them in the loop of what their roles are. Using online surveys to gather feedback, consolidate detailed information that’s pertinent to your event, and ask for volunteer signups can help cut down time on the back-and-forth correspondence between you and your members. 
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2. Keep it inviting: Send event invites
The sooner you get the word out about your event the more likely it is you’ll see a high turnout. We suggest sending invitations six to eight weeks before the event (or right at the beginning of the school year) so attendees can add your event to their calendars. It's also a best practice to send a second round of invitations a couple weeks later to those who have not RSVP'd yet. Our event module allows you to create an event site and send invitations. (You can even add your own PTA logos and images!) We recommend using our Smart List feature to target people on your guest list. Smart Lists let you generate email lists for a specific set of people based on platform data. For example, if you sent out an invite to get RSVPs, your next email can target those who replied “Maybe” or those who didn't reply yet. As your event date draws near, you can use the event site to post updates and answer any questions guests have. Increasing your engagement efforts beforehand is a great way to build anticipation so everyone is as excited about the online event as you are!
3. Sharing is caring
Social media is one of the best marketing tools around, and best of all, it's free! After you've created your event page, use the social sharing icons available to share your event directly from the platform. Ask your PTA members to share on their social pages as well. Each member has a personal and varied network that will increase awareness of the event, and likely boost attendance. The more people share, the more free publicity you get for your event and your PTA efforts. Along with social media, make sure to ramp up your marketing efforts and spread the word via email flyers, text messages (when appropriate), and announcements on your school or group's website. 
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Remember to make a plan, send your invites, and spread the word. Most importantly, have fun. The hallmark of a successful event is being able to enjoy yourself alongside your guests. 

Our event functionality, donation and email campaign features, and online payment options make it easy to plan for your entire year. So, what are you waiting for? Happy planning! 
Make it happen
PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.

Updated since original publication on 10/12/17.
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About Hanif Boykin

Hanif is a customer support guru who specializes in assisting clients with onboarding and any platform-related questions. His background in marketing and sports management comes in handy for all types of organizations. He loves sports (specifically the Lakers, Yankees, and Rams), the beach, as well as trying new foods and traveling.

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How to Train New PTA Officers for the Next School Year

5/6/2020

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You’ve invested your time and efforts in managing your PTA, all with the goal of improving the lives of children in your community. Now it’s time to pass on the torch – and all the knowledge you’ve gained – so that the future leaders and administrators of your organization can build upon the great work you’ve done. How can you set them up for success? Our 5 Keys to a Successful Officer Transition is what you need to know to make the most of this critical transition. 
passing the torch
1. Demonstrate value
To get someone acclimated to a new role, you’ll need to go through their necessary tasks. For every specific skill or task to be instructed to your unit officers, explain first what it is you’re about to share. More importantly, explain why it is important for your PTA. Even seemingly menial tasks (such as setting up back-to-school registration packets) have high impact on achieving the unit's goals. Why are such tasks significant? How do they affect the overall success of the unit? It’s important to give a sense of the workflow (not necessarily the hierarchy) of the unit and the officer’s role within it.
officer role flowchart
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
– John C. Maxwell
While demonstrating, use real-life examples that have been taken from day-to-day experience and practice, as well as visual references to give context. Provide simple instructions. Make it relatable and fun, and be sure to frequently check for questions.
 

2. Observe and adjust
You’ve provided the instructions. Now have your new board or incoming officer show you how to do it. The “Each One Teach One” principle applies here.  As you’re observing, adjust the course when necessary. Encourage and empathize with them, keeping in mind that you were once new to the role as well.
 

 
3. Tailor the training
We all have our individual quirks, and personality will eventually be revealed, especially in the course of training. Make time to discover your officers’ own skills, unique experiences, and new strengths they bring to the unit. But be sure to recognize their different ways of learning, and be open to let them take ownership of their roles.
 
 
4. Empower
Grow your unit officers. Assign sample scenario tasks (e.g. planning an upcoming fundraising event, a membership drive, or volunteer opportunity) and see how they deliver. Let them own it. It’s like the bonsai trees in Mr. Miyagi’s workshop. You have strong roots and all kinds of cool branches.
Mr. Miyagi and bonsai tree
5. Support
Provide support and feedback. Work with each officer to set up short- and long-term goals for themselves and the unit, and make sure they know how to use the memberplanet tools available to them. On the feedback loop, too, show them what’s been done previously by the unit. Encourage them to find ways to innovate and improve efficiency while building on past successes in pursuit of the mission.
 
What if they suggest something you know will fail because they lack context? Before filling in the missing context or flat out saying 'no,' try asking about their perspective. Genuine curiosity goes a long way.

Successful learning is a two-way street, and hearing from those who are new to the scene will bolster your own knowledge and help you further educate them.

 
When your officers are confident that the outgoing board have their back and the PTA’s interests at heart, they’ll operate at peak productivity, and they will lead the rest of the unit in the way they’ve been instructed. It’s the best way to build a strong team and community.
“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”
​– Anthony J. D’Angelo
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PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.
Updated since original publication on 3/27/18.
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About Mercie Macatrao

Providing best-in-class support to all clients, including PTAs, military groups, and nonprofits is Mercie's expertise. She has the ability to troubleshoot complex issues and provide guidance to anyone, regardless of technical experience. She's also an avid photog and baker of the best chocolate chip cookies ever.

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3 Steps to Make the Most of Your Fall Fundraising Event

6/10/2019

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Autumn is a great time; the leaves are changing, the days are growing shorter, and for many PTA leaders, that means fundraising events. From PTA-only events to community-wide fundraisers, you want them all to be as successful as possible. Managing and promoting your event online is the surest way to boost your turnout. It allows you to track RSVPs, collect funds, and follow up; you can also share an event page on social media to increase its visibility, and have your members do the same on their social media.  It’s time to stop using Excel spreadsheets to track RSVPs, emailing maps and directions to attendees, and hoping that your flyers are seen. Follow these instructions for setting up your next fundraising event online, including personalizing it to your needs, adding RSVPs, and sharing it via social media. 
event tickets
Create an event on memberplanet
  1. In the left navigation bar, hover over Events and click Create an Event in the submenu
  2. Fill out the standard event information: event title, start and end times, venue, address, and a customized description of the event 
Note: The description field is your chance to detail the event in a personal way. Spruce it up and get your members and guests excited about coming. The more descriptive the better.
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3.  Click Save & Customize

Personalize your event page: Adding a personal touch to your upcoming fundraising event is a great way to boost excitement, and better establish a connection to your group.  The more engaged members are in an event, the more successful it will be.


create an event
​     4. On the Event Page features list, select Customize With Videos, Images, & Other Content

From here you can customize the following:
  • Event page URL
  • Header
  • Banner image (900 px wide recommended)
  • Description box (520 px recommended for photos)
  • Videos
  • Photo albums
  • Comments

​     5. To edit each section, simply click on the section and make desired changes
     6. When finished, hit Save & Close
     7. To publish your event site, click the Publish Now button 

customize event
Enable RSVPs for your event
After you’ve created an event, you have several options for creating and managing your RSVPs.
  1. On the RSVPs & Tickets section, select RSVP Options
  2. Use the dropdown menus to customize when your RSVPs will open and close 

​RSVPs can begin based on when the event is published, by specific date and time, or by the number of days before the event starts. Options to choose your specific date and time or number of days will pop up upon selection.

Note: Closing your RSVPs will not close your event, so members and guests will still be able to view the event page.
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      3. Click the Save & Close button
Sell tickets to an event
Admins can sell tickets on an event site through the platform.
  1. On the left navigation bar, hover over Events and select Manage Events
  2. Click on the event name
  3. Scroll down to the RSVPs & Tickets section and select Tickets & Payment Items
  4. Click New Ticket/item button
  5. Fill out the fields to set price and limits

Admins can check the Required to Attend the Event box to make the tickets mandatory.

     6. Hit Save

For more ticket/items, click New Ticket/item and repeat the process.

​     7. Click Save & Close when done
sell tickets to an event

Do more than yell from the rooftops to spread the word
​Now that you have your event site all set up, make the most of the platform's multi-channel communication features and help your event excel. Take advantage of email campaigns, social media, and group text to share your specific event site, and take the burden off using flyers as your primary outreach. The final piece to maximizing your reach, and thereby your turnout, is providing a link directly to your event that your members can also share on their social networks and communication channels.  The following instructions will take you through the steps to redefine your event promotion strategy.
Send invitations
  1. On the left navigation bar, hover over Events and select Manage Events
  2. Click on the event name
  3. Scroll down to the Guest list & Invitations section and select Customize & Send Invitations
  4. Customize your invitation by clicking on the subject line and the body
  5. On the Send Invitations dropdown menu, select when the invitations will be sent
Note: If you get a pop-up notification that the event is not published, you can still proceed, but remember to click Make This Event Live on the following page, unless you specifically intend to keep the event hidden. Your event will remain hidden until you publish.

     6. Click Send OR if you chose a later send date, click Schedule & Close

Share an event on social media and an external site
  1. On the left navigation bar, hover over Events and select Manage Events
  2. Click on the event name
  3. Choose from the quick links to share your event on various social media channels 
share event on social media
Here’s how to create a clickable button to your event site, which you can share on an external site:
  1. Scroll down to the Event Page section and select Create an Event Button for Your External Website
  2. Admins have one of two options to select:
  • Choose a Button: Use the dropdown menu to select the desired button text, then click on the color of your choice.
  • Upload Your Own Image: Click the Choose Image button, and drag and drop your desired image into the allotted area, or click to browse and upload. Complete the prompts to upload and crop your image if needed, then click Get Code Snippet.
Note: Recommended image size is 580 px wide or smaller.

A shaded box will contain the HTML code for your button.
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    3.  Copy the entire segment, and paste it into your website

Send thank-you messages - they’re the cherry on top
The thank-you message, regardless of its iteration, will always have a more powerful reach than fathomed. Volunteer leaders can create a personalized thank-you message that they set and forget, and it will automatically send when members RSVP to events. It’s worth spending a few minutes on this because it will consistently resonate with members and deepen their connection with the group.

  1. In the RSVPs & Tickets section, click RSVP Options
  2. Select the checkbox next to Add a Thank-you Message to the Confirmation Email
  3. Write a new email message that will be sent to guests upon RSVPing
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This is where admins can craft a custom thank-you message.


​     4.  Select the Save & Close button
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These event site features are designed for PTA leaders to make the most of their next PTA event as well as their time. Create larger turnouts, take advantage of simpler event management, and then reap the rewards, which will be passed directly to those who need them most: the students. 
Get Started
PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of  a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.

Updated since original publication on 10/20/17.
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About Greg Beilstein

As the Director of Onboarding and Engagement, Greg loves helping groups get started on the platform. A memberplanet system pro, he works with admin leaders to better engage their members. In his free time he likes to play video games and brew the perfect cup of coffee.

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3 Rewarding Benefits of Email Marketing

5/23/2019

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Discovering email marketing is like finding out your kid won first place in the school science fair — and got a scholarship because of it! Not only would it have any parent or teacher beaming with pride, it’s news they’d want to share with family, neighbors, and even the grocery clerk. Email marketing simplifies PTA communication in a way that’s engaging, effective, and budget friendly. If you’re not all in with email, you’re missing out big time.
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Email spurs your members to act
​Email is a powerful tool deliver a message that incites action. You can include a lot of great information (member spotlights, past event photos, and the like), but don’t forget to include clickable calls to action so your members can actually do something with the info you’re providing. Here are some topics you might include in your PTA newsletter coupled with an appropriate call to action and link.
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Say goodbye to printing costs
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​Go green by cutting out printing costs. Instead of printing out a couple hundred flyers, why not send an email newsletter that can cover a range of topics? (And who has time to hand out flyers these days?) No funds are needed for postage, paper, ink or other print materials. Some organizations pay an extra fee each month for a service that allows them to send mass emails, but – here’s a kicker – mass emailing is already included for free in your memberplanet account! Spend your budget on more important things.

Track and target your messages
Another huge benefit of email marketing is the tracking capabilities. Lucky for you, this feature, which can be quite pricey with other email providers, is free with your memberplanet account. We recommend tracking these key metrics:

  • Open rate
An open rate lets you know how many people are, well, opening your email. Test out different subject lines to see how they affect your open rates.

An average open rate for nonprofits and charities: 30.88%


  • Click rate
Tracking this number is a great indicator of whether the content you send your members resonates with them. To calculate click rate, take the number of clicks (one per email, even if you have multiple calls to action), divide that by the number of email opens, and multiply that by 100. Example: If 10 people opened your email, and 1 out of 10 clicked a link within it, you’d divide 1 by 10, then multiply the answer by 100. Your click rate is 10%.

An average click rate for nonprofits and charities: 4.31%


  • Bounces
Bounced emails could be the result of invalid email addresses. If you know which emails aren’t working, you can remove them from your email list (so they don’t keep inflating your bounce rate), use alternate email addresses if your members have provided them, or ask your members to update their profile information by sending a group text using their number on file.
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A decent bounce rate across all sectors: 2.5%
 
Once you have an idea of these three metrics for the emails you’re sending, you can further target your message to your specific audience. memberplanet provides open rate, clicks, and bounces – great email marketing tools at your disposal so you can measure how effective your messages are. To further target your emails to recipients based on the data collected on the platform (member levels, event RSVP, donation level, etc.), check out our Smart List feature.
 
Log in and take advantage of the email tools at your fingertips.
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​About Lizerne Ventura

With a journalism background and more than 10 years of experience in all things content, Liz fully appreciates the art of storytelling. When she's not working on content marketing, strategy, creation, or operations, she enjoys community volunteering and playing organ in her church choir.

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Give Your PTA Newsletter a Refresh with These 3 Tips

5/23/2019

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​The email newsletter is the oak tree of inter-unit communications: ageless yet vital, regardless of iteration. Volunteer leaders have been stuck in the past turning out boring, repetitive newsletters that are more trash fodder than drivers of member engagement. Have no fear — fresh ideas are here! Take advantage of these tips to refresh your online newsletter, and reinvigorate your members’ connection with your PTA and all the things it accomplishes.
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1. Make it personal and impactful
​Content is, and will always be, king. However, if your content doesn’t resonate with your member’s desires and interests, then it will never be more than a pauper. PTA volunteer leaders looking to boost interest among their members need to deliver content that speaks to them. memberplanet’s newsletter templates make it easy to include impact stories and member highlights. Instead of just mentioning a member’s successful contributions at your next meeting, try highlighting them in your next newsletter. Take time to communicate your PTA’s successes, and frame it around the impact those results will have on students and the community. Nothing resonates more than the positive influence of your PTA unit and its mission.
2. Go easy on the eyes
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​In the age of video and short attention spans, catching the eye of your members is paramount to keep them engaged and responsive.  You don’t have to be a graphic designer to generate visually appealing newsletters, and you certainly don’t have to cut, paste, and photocopy and then hand out your newsletters anymore. Volunteer leaders have a wide selection of pre-built templates to turn mass emails into eye-popping, unit relevant, reading material. You can add photos from recent events and upload PTA-specific images and banners to create something wholly reflective of your unit. 

​​3. Include updates and results to keep them reading
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Events and fundraisers are an all-hands-on-deck situation from planning to successful execution, and newsletters are an excellent way for volunteer managers to increase their ongoing success by including their progress or results. Members respond to updates about how their support and hard work is paying off within the unit and beyond. Let them know how close you are to an upcoming goal to build excitement for a final push, or announce how much you surpassed your most recent goal with a unit-wide thank you.

​Ready to refresh your PTA newsletter? Log in today.
PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long. 

Updated since original publication on 10/17/2017.
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About Briana McDaniel

Briana uses her passion and experience in working with foundations, nonprofits, and organizations in pursuit of academic excellence. From hosting webinars, to facilitating fundraisers and website creation, there is nothing she can't do. During her free time, Briana participates as an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and loves to dance.

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Optimize PTA Communication on Mobile by Sending Group Texts

5/22/2019

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​The average person checks his or her cellphone 47 times per day, and 80 percent of emails are opened on mobile devices. PTA leaders can use these stats in their favor by optimizing their communication for mobile – the channel that their members are likely using the most. This is where Broadcasts come in, and why this feature was created in the first place. Sending a Broadcast or short message is ideal when leaders need to send announcements, event updates, or reminders, allowing PTA leaders to connect with admins, members, and contacts. It’s one of the best ways for volunteer leaders to take advantage of today’s technology and provide up-to-the minute information.
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​A Broadcast is a short message that can be sent via email and/or text messaging. This feature saves time by allowing PTA admins to draft a message once and send or schedule it both via email and text. SMS text messages also have the option to be sent through a custom mobile number.  
How to set up a Broadcast
1. On the left navigation bar, click Broadcast
​

​2. Select the New Broadcast button on the top right
 
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​3. Enter a title

Note: This will appear as a subject line for email recipients. It will not be seen in the SMS text message format.

4. Type your message  

5. Next to When*, use the dropdown menu to specify a delivery time
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In the Delivery section, both text and email are selected by default. Make sure to de-select either if you prefer one communication method. Broadcasts will always show up in a member’s news feed on the mobile app, even if you disable text or email announcements. 
Set up a custom mobile number
Volunteer leaders can send SMS messages from a customized mobile phone number on Pro and Premium subscription plans. This helps cut down on unread messages, as it allows members to save the number you’re sending the message from.

To set up a custom send number while setting up your delivery method:
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1. Enter your preferred U.S. area code in the text box, then click Get a Number

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2. An auto-generated phone number will then be assigned with your chosen area code
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Give this to your group members to save in their address book, so whenever they receive a Broadcast, they’ll know it’s coming from your group.

Choosing recipients
1. Click Choose Recipients ​
Choose to send your message using one of the five options along the top of the screen  
  • All members
  • Choose members
  • Choose a list (Please see Create a Distribution List for more information about this feature.)
  • Use a Smart List (Please see How to Select Email Recipients for details about this feature.)
  • Add new people (This option is to add people manually)
Note: You may notice that the number of text recipients is not the same as email recipients. This could mean that you are missing mobile numbers or valid email addresses for some members. Members for whom you have BOTH mobile and email information will receive the Broadcast via email and text message.

2. After you have chosen your recipients, click Next

3. Review and confirm your message details, then click Confirm & Send


Broadcasts are an ideal way to maintain simple and brief communication paths between volunteer management and members. Draft, schedule, and send both email and SMS text messages in just a few clicks. Log in to get started.
PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.  

Updated since original publication on 11/17/2017.
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About Greg Beilstein

As the Director of Onboarding and Engagement, Greg loves helping groups get started on the platform. A memberplanet system pro, he works with admin leaders to better engage their members. In his free time he likes to play video games and brew the perfect cup of coffee. ​

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How Collecting Funds Online Benefits Your PTA in 5 Big Ways

5/17/2019

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​The days of cash carrying are over. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple decades, you’ve noticed the societal shift toward electronic payments. What does this mean for you and your PTA? Let’s get schooled on payment methods. The reality is that ignoring this trend can seriously hurt the future growth of your local PTA. The benefits are enough to outweigh whatever costs are incurred – and we have proof. Check out these five payoffs of accepting electronic payments.  
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1. Grow your membership
Studies indicate more than 70 percent of Americans have at least one credit card. Even more compelling is that 60 percent of consumers pay with credit cards instead of cash. This means that accepting credit card payments increases your ability to attract potential PTA members who find electronic payments more convenient. You can connect with a larger audience to recruit members, reach more donors for your campaigns, and increase ticket sales for your events. It’s simple math – when you broaden your reach, you also increase your chances of boosting membership.
2. Increase school and PTA revenue
​Research shows that people are willing to spend more on their credit cards than when making cash purchases. This has obvious benefits for fundraising campaigns, as it can lead to bigger donations from individuals. The New York Times sites several studies that demonstrate the increase in spending with credit versus cash of at least 5-10 percent. In one study, graduate students paid nearly double the price for a sporting event ticket when paying with a credit card!
graduation rocks
3. Ease the burden of holding on to large sums of cash and checks
PTA leaders don’t need to be carrying members’ cash and check payments with them. By accepting electronic payments, you make it more convenient for your members to pay by their own method of preference, and you’re likely to save yourself a trip to the bank. Direct deposit also removes the inconvenience of paying out of pocket. Accepting electronic payments increases cash flow by limiting the time it takes for money to appear in your account. Instead of waiting for PTA members or donors to mail a check, then depositing the check, and waiting for it to clear, funds are deposited directly into your account. 
4. Simplify recurring payments and donations
Local PTA members and donors can set up recurring membership payments and donations. memberplanet’s electronic payment feature is built in, easy to use, and features advanced encryption to ensure payments are securely processed and deposited directly into your designated account. Simplifying the payment process makes it easier to collect membership dues and retain current members, and is beneficial when collecting donations during fundraisers.
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​5. Build credibility with credit cards
​Accepting credit cards is particularly helpful because it adds credibility to a PTA’s operation. When your members and potential members see that you’re accepting credit cards it increases the legitimacy of your local PTA. Furthermore, limiting your PTA to cash transactions can seem unprofessional given the rise of electronic payment options. 
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​Accepting electronic payments facilitates the exchange of money for you and anyone you collect payments from. This is beneficial and convenient for collecting membership fees, receiving donations, and selling event tickets or any other PTA product or service your offer. With an evident shift from cash to credit, it is essential to offer a variety of payment methods to retain members, grow your organization, and maximize PTA contributions.
 
Ready to get started? Log in to memberplanet and set up your account to collect electronic payments.
PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.

Updated since original publication on 7/01/2017.
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​About Mercie Macatrao

Providing best-in-class support to all clients, including PTAs, military groups, and nonprofits is Mercie's expertise. She has the ability to troubleshoot complex issues and provide guidance to anyone, regardless of technical experience. She's also an avid photographer and baker of the best chocolate chip cookies ever. 

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Online Fundraising: It’s a Win-Win

5/13/2019

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​The rise of online fundraising into our zeitgeist is unmistakable, from Kickstarter projects that have generated millions for otherwise market-less products to the thousands of people and charities GoFundMe has helped with a variety of needs; the frontier is rampant with raising money online. The question bears asking: If everyone else is reaping online fundraiser rewards, should my local PTA also? The answer is a resounding, all caps YES. 
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Convenience

Time isn’t just a limited resource for leaders, but also for potential donors. They often aren’t carrying cash, or don’t have their checkbook handy. Online fundraising gives donors the ability to pay quickly and securely via credit card. One digital swipe and they’re one their way, while your PTA is one cha-ching closer to reaching your goal. 
Accounting
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It’s true – handling loads of cash and stacks of checks costs your leaders time. Beyond time, there’s accounting to worry about. Then there’s creating manual receipts, balancing spreadsheets, and all the other organizational work related to tracking donations. That wasted time adds up quickly. Online fundraisers allow PTA officers to record, track, and manage campaigns in a fraction of the time. 
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Expanded reach

There was a time when printing flyers and designing donation posters was the only means of spreading the word for fundraisers. That’s no longer the case; one of the primary benefits of launching an online fundraising campaign is its potential to go viral. (Here are some examples of fundraisers that went viral.) This takes you out of the typical sphere of donors and opens you up to supporters you wouldn’t reach with traditional methods. This can help you reach your monetary goals faster and even surpass them.

Increase PTA funds
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The benefits of online fundraising and digital payments starts with the money, which makes sense. Online fundraising increases overall money raised; that’s fact, not opinion. Some studies have shown that percentage to be anywhere from 30-100% more (Visa International).  Sure, you’re thinking, that’s a nice bump in funds, but PTAs need every dollar they raise, so how much will we lose in processing fees? Fees can vary, and if your state already has a partnership with memberplanet, those fees are easily offset by the increased donations. For an example of how one school used online fundraising to increase membership funds by 75%, take a look at our case study.
​Ready to win at online fundraising?
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PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.
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Updated since original publication on 8/17/2017.
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About Briana McDaniel

Briana uses her passion and experience in working with foundations, nonprofits, and organizations in pursuit of academic excellence. From hosting webinars, to facilitating fundraisers and website creation, there is nothing she can't do. During her free time, Briana participates as an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and loves to dance.

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When to Text Your PTA Members – 3 Rules to Live By

5/13/2019

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​We live in a world of instant communication. With a few clicks, almost anyone in the world can be reached via phone, email, or text messaging. Communication being this instantaneous has amazing benefits, but it can be confusing at times to choose the best method for your message. Emails are great for long form announcements, and they are typically a groups bread and butter for communication. But there are times when a text message is a better method to communicate with your members. Take a look at our three rules of when to text your members instead of email. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did. 
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Text your members when…
1. You have urgent announcements/reminders
​Shooting your members reminder messages is great for PTA leaders on the go. For example, a perfect time to send a reminder a text message is before an event. Shoot a quick text to remind admins to bring the decorations, or to pick up tape because you’ve run out. Messages are also great for reaching members quickly when breaking news happens in your PTA. 
2. Your message is short and sweet
​Text messages are great for instant contact with PTA admins and members, but be mindful of sending too many texts. If members feel like they are constantly being sent messages, they may become less responsive and engaged. Save text messaging for important announcements or reminders. Non-time sensitive items are best left for email or meetings. 
3. You need a response – pronto!
When you are looking for a quick turnaround on responses, text messaging is the way to go. Let’s face it, our phones are never far out of reach. Sending a text message is a great way to ensure members receive messages fast. Our text messaging feature is different from a regular text message – even if you text multiple members, only you will receive their responses (unlike those annoying text chain messages). Make sure to send texts at times that you will be responsive to messages, and set aside time to put your phone down so you and your admins can enjoy time with family. Now that you know the golden rules of when to text members, learn how to create and send a text message. 
PTA Simplified is a series of tips for PTA and PTO leaders to get the most out of a powerful association management system – to manage, engage, and grow their membership all year long.

Updated since original publication on 11/15/2017.
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About Lizerne Ventura

With a journalism background and more than 10 years of experience in all things content, Liz fully appreciates the art of storytelling. When she's not working on content marketing, strategy, creation, or operations, she enjoys community volunteering and playing organ in her church choir.

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