Just Between Friends replaces OMDR

In 2009, PTA began using Just Between Friends for member management, communications, directories and volunteer management.  National PTA worked with Just Between Friends to develop a system to simplify your life and strengthen your PTA.Just Between Friends replaces the traditional OMDR system that you’ve used in the past.  You might have heard the new system referred to as OMDRplus powered by Just Between Friends. Recently, National PTA has dropped the OMDRplus as it transitions completely away from the old OMDR system for all local PTA units.If you are not currently using Just Between Friends, we encourage you to begin using the system because in the near future, OMDR for local PTAs will be phased out. If you’ve been using OMDR, you’ll be able to get your data from OMDR into Just Between Friends.National PTA and Just Between Friends have been listening to the comments of units using Just Between Friends and they’ve been working on several enhancements to the system based upon that input.  These enhancements include additional functionality, increased speed and an easier interface.  The objective is to improve your user experience.

Why you should use Just Between Friends

The system provides tools you need to run your PTA efficiently. And, it’s provided to PTA units free from National PTA and Just Between Friends’ sponsors.Just Between Friends will help you to:•  Manage your members – Use Just Between Friends to manage your members.  You can add members or have them enter and/or update their own information.  So, you’ll be able to keep your membership roles, contact lists and directories fresh and accurate.  The system makes membership renewal and tracking easy and you’ll find the membership card printing module a breeze to use.  Imagine the time and effort you’ll save!•  Communicate effectively with your entire school – With Just Between Friends, you can communicate effectively with your entire school.  You have the ability to attach files of almost any recognized format to your emails.  You can create groups and select which groups should receive the emails.  The system includes an automatic reminder feature allowing you to select how often and when reminders should be sent.   Deadlines and events are automatically posted on a calendar, which can be viewed by members.This all takes place on a secure, private system!•  Create directories – With Just Between Friends, you have the option of creating paper directories using the system’s automated capabilities or secure on-line directories with powerful search capabilities.  The on-line directories allow for multiple last names in the same family; multiple contact phone numbers and email addresses; and parental control of what information will be shared.  You’ll save time and cost, while reducing errors!•  Recruit and retain volunteers – And, here’s something that’s really exciting!  Just Between Friends has developed a new module to help you manage volunteers.  Their product development team, recognizing how it can help you even more, created this module so you can use it for programs like Reflections and Three For Me. So, it’s more than a volunteer manager.  With it, you’ll also be able to recruit, manage and report participation activities.   Finally, volunteer and participation management that’s easy!

Get Started Today

If you’re not currently using Just Between Friends, click here to get started www.justbetweenfriends.com/PTAquickstart.  This is the quick start up wizard for PTAs.  You’ll be prompted through the easy sign up process.

Learn Just Between Friends

Then, learn how to use the system by participating in live, interactive training webinars.  You’ll find a list and schedule of webinars by visiting www.LearnJBF.com.  Click on the webinar(s) you’d like to participate in and you’ll receive a registration confirmation with details you’ll need to participate.You’ll also find lots of how-to information when you visit www.LearnJBF.com.

Creating Group Notices to Encourage Parent Participation

At www.LearnJBF.com you also have access to assets that help you motivate parents to join the system.  You’ll find letters you can send to parents asking them to join Just Between Friends with various reasons why they should.  You’ll also find a letter asking parents to validate their email address and one asking parents to enter their own information.Just Between Friends continues to add assets to www.LearnJBF.com that you can use to encourage parents to sign up, validate email addresses and add and update their own household information.  Be sure to visit often to see new assets available to you.

Just Between Friends Support Team

And, Just Between Friends has a responsive, friendly, knowledgeable support team.  To reach them, simply visit www.JustBetweenFriends.com and click on the Contact Usbutton.