The best recruitment tool for TFC parents (and staff!) is within your reach. As an FFTA member, it is likely that you currently come in contact with a core group of TFC Parents who you respect, feel do a good job and that share your values and commitment. Many studies reflect that your current TFC parents are your BEST recruiters.
This is a reminder to nurture them and to involve them in the process of recruiting other TFC parents to help serve our children. In order for this to happen, you must find out how best to meet their needs. Invest your time and energy in keeping them …and they will tell others about your efforts. Recruitment should follow naturally.
Our TFC parents deserve the best we can offer them:
1. A clear mission statement.
2. Core values that promote interaction, communication, and collaboration.
3. An understanding of your organization’s vision.
4. A committed and responsible Board with a great heart.
5. Directors and staff who perform and manage with excellence.
6. A strategy with a comprehensive long-term plan of action to achieve particular goals.
7. A short-term plan of action that provides a clear series of steps used to carry out the goals aligned with your agency’s mission statement.
8. SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely.
9. A human culture of improvement and teamwork.
Where do we look for quality TFC parents? Many of us already come in contact with highly qualified TFC parents. As your first line of attack, a powerful tool could be to use word of mouth through other parents, employees and friends. Also, looking within your community: churches, community organizations, schools, universities etc., as these will usually have individuals that may share many of your values and mission. Participating in community fairs that focus on health and education, for instance, are great avenues to find families which are civic-minded and hold strong family values.
