Family ambassadors are such a gift! How we all appreciate the tremendous value they bring by spreading the word of our school. But have you ever reached out to a family who is apprehensive about “being an ambassador?” Immediately, a look of trepidation falls across their face. “Does that mean I have to give a tour?”
Just as we listen to our prospective families about what is important to them in a school and tailor the tour to address these wants, the same goes for asking for parent volunteers. It’s not only determining their comfort level; it’s matching their strengths to the numerous opportunities available for them.
At the beginning of the year, I ask current families to review the following opportunities: Find Your Family Ambassador Fit. Parents are surprised at the various ways in which they can contribute.
Find your Family Ambassador Fit:
Connector
- Create community with our new families. Welcome them until they feel as if they belong.
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- Reach out to new families upon enrollment ideally with a phone call.
- Introduce yourself as a BT parent and your role as a Connector parent.
- Tell them a little about yourself and your family i.e., how long you’ve been a part of the BT community, children’s grades, etc.
- Offer your availability and contact information to give tips, answer questions, and meet for coffee.
- Contact new families monthly to check in and encourage them to attend BT community events. (Admissions will send you monthly touch points.)
Promoter
- Be on the list of current families who would like to answer questions for prospective families. Admissions will contact you as opportunities arise.
- Commit to posting, tagging, and sharing accolades, events and highlights of the BT community.
- Recruit families to write positive reviews.
Organizer
- Organize two playdates/events/coffees during the summer and one in the fall for new families to make connections with current families.
Traveler
- Deliver yard signs within a week of the signed enrollment contract. We have families all over the city and in Council Bluffs!
Tour Guide
- Accompany Admissions on a tour of the school with a prospective family.
- Give a refresher tour to new families the week before school starts.
Since using this strategy, the number of volunteers has skyrocketed, word of mouth has spread, and ultimately the pipeline has increased!
In the seven years I’ve been in admissions, it doesn’t matter how well I connect with a prospective family. It's the impact of hearing authentic stories from current and former parents that can confirm for them if your school is the one for which they’ve been searching.
Kim Schinzel
Director of Admissions
Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School