Question: Create a new organization?

At the end of last year, the PTO advertised that they had no one that wanted an office. If no parents came forward the PTO would be disbanded. A group of parents got together and filled all positions. The "old" PTO members come to the meetings now and argue with EVERY idea the new group has. If we try to do anything different than they did it, it becomes a huge debate. Obviously, the way they ran the PTO did not work because less than a year ago it was going to be disbanded. The "old" group is very controlling and not friendly at all to new parents, so no one would help them. Now the "new" group has trouble, because nothing gets accomplished. The "old" group argues about everything. We just passed some bylaw changes. The old group commented that they would just change them back next year. We believe that they are going to try to vote us out next year. This is so aggrevating because they were going to let the group disband. We are debating to keep fighting or just let them have it. My question is, can we start our own organization even though the school already has a PTO? The "new" parents have the support of the principal and teachers, so I think I may suggest creating our own organization to them. I'm pretty sure the old group of about 5 to 6 people would not try to join our organization. I also believe that we could build up our group because we try to be friendly and welcoming, unlike the "old".

Asked by jdhaskiell

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
This is a leadership issue, and a difficult one. It's a situation where you won't succeed by being nice and trying to avoid confrontation. You have to get tough, or you'll lose control--as seems to be happening. You have two choices -- work with these people or marginalize them. It sounds like you'd prefer plan B (and plan A might not be an option). The way to do that is to make sure you have one more supporter at every meeting than they do. Then win every vote. If they're dominating the time by complaining, limit the amount of debate on items, or call for a vote. Your group is in charge -- don't be shy about taking charge. Don't put the complainers on committees, or remove them from their positions if they're blocking things from moving forward. I have two articles that I think will help. They offer tips for dealing with difficult people and for acting assertively when disagreements arise. Best wishes, and please keep us posted on how things work out.