Have you ever considered joining a playgroup committee?

Most playgroups have a group of people dedicated to helping things run smoothly and  I call it ‘a gathering of saints’ because these people do jobs that no-one else wants to do or think they’re capable of …

However, those on the ‘committee’ will tell you to take a chance on yourself and just do it – the rewards are many and very real!

If you are thinking of taking the LEAP and nominating yourself here’s some feedback from those who DID take the plunge and joined their local playgroup committee:

What members had to say about their Playgroup Committee …

“I first heard of playgroup through a friend of a friend and I remember having to ask what it was! Within 6-months the group co-ordinator was on the recruitment trail, as the present management committee was leaving at the end of the year … I responded with a ‘sure I don’t mind helping’. Before I knew it I was President but after 3 years in the role, I decided to change things up and switched to Treasurer. The past few years with playgroup have been really wonderful, hectic and bedlam at times … although I prefer the term organised chaos … but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world!  I guess the real reason I stayed around for so long is because it gave me sense of self-worth. I was really achieving things, making things happen and working as part of a team – all of whom were mothers of young children dedicated to the one common cause of making it a better world for our children.” Simone

“I am relatively new to the playgroup scene and only joined my current playgroup with my third daughter – I was working with my first two. When I was asked to become a group co-ordinator, I thought ‘why not, what have I got to lose?’ and it was great! I was quite surprised that other people were interested in my opinions and what I had to say. Eighteen months later and I am really starting to feel positive about myself again. Not wanting to go back to the workforce yet but needing a bit more stimulation – I’m just now starting to think about joining the Playgroup WA Board!” Renae

“I joined our playgroup committee because I felt I could make a difference. My playgroup was newly formed and I started as President which may sound flashy but in reality was sheer hard work! As most of our membership was new we made things up as we went along and most of the time we got it right. My memories of those first few years are of being totally consumed and involved with the job and loving the distraction it presented to me from the everyday ‘humdrum’ of mothering. Since then I have been a Session Co-ordinator and Secretary. Not only was there always something to do but more so something to learn. Where else could I have learnt to lobby local government for better facilities; apply for a funding grant, organise fundraisers, arrange social events and even survive a few out of control Christmas parties? The experience has been an exciting and challenging part of my life as a parent.” Belinda

Time to Act

So what’s the next move? Ask around and find out who to speak with and then tag along at one of the group’s meetings so you can get a feel for things … most of the time you’ll find the group is made up of people just like you who welcome help and support!

And if you want to know EVEN more – call our Hotline on 1800 171 882 and ask to speak with one of our Development Officers.

Don’t forget you can find a range of  Play Ideas for home or playgroup online (which makes finding a suitable activity for playgroup a breeze!).

Kath is a mum of three who works part time and enjoys writing and catching up with other stressed out mums in her spare time. Usually she’s racing against the clock to make her boys (+ husband) arrive anywhere on time and feels quite the talented mother when two out of the three make it out of the house with shoes on!