Question: Outrageously RUDE Board Member to a Volunteer

We recently hosted our annual Fall Carnival like event @ our school. A volunteer was running a game for the first time & one of our board members chewed her out because she was charging less tickets that it actually was. The Board Member was so rude that the volunteer is humiliated & very upset!! What disciplinary actions can be implemented to ensure we are following our Bylaws?? Please Help!!

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Hi there,
Not sure disciplinary action is necessary just yet. Can you start by having a discussion with the board member, pointing out that he/she upset a volunteer, and asking this board member to do the right thing and apologize to the volunteer? Let's hope the board member had a bad moment and it was a one-time episode that can be fixed with a sincere apology.

Good luck,
Rose C.

Community Advice

HeatherK writes:
Thanks for the advice Rose :) Unfortunately, there have been complaints in the past from parents about the members rude tone with them & it has been brushed off as if she was having a bad day or not feeling well. It has really become a problem over the past few months!! I am the President for PTA @ our school & it's starting to get really old having to call people & apologize for others behavior.

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Hi Heather,
So, this does sound like more than a one-time thing. You shouldn't be put in a situation of having to apologize for a board member. Try a sit down with this person and present her with the facts -- the series of people who have complained about her behavior. Avoid accusing her of bad behavior. Keep it focused on the complaints. See if you can talk through this. Just giving her the benefit of the doubt -- she may not be aware of how offensive her behavior is. If this doesn't work, then, let her know she that you need to do what is best for the PTA, and that may include asking her to step down if she is unable to interact with parents in an appropriate manner.

We have some great articles on dealing with difficult people that may come in handy for you:

How To Deal with Difficult People
http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/409-how-to-deal-with-difficult-people

Managing Discord on the PTO Board
http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/1325-managing-discord-on-the-pto-board

Managing Personality Conflicts
http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/710-managing-personality-conflicts

Community Advice

HeatherK writes:
Thank you so much for all of the advice!! That really helps out a lot :)

Community Advice

MHunter writes:
I volunteered at my sons middle school to assist with the 8th grade graduating party. I was given tasks to do. I fulfilled the tasks and then was told to stop and the party was canceled. Why I asked? I was given several reasons about the last years issues and lack of volunteers support. What am I, chopped liver?! I offered to handle all of the planning for the party, had already founds sponsors and volunteers. The board member said no. Then I was ignored and never called again. Then I see a email where the school is asking for volunteers to help with the 8th grade party. What?! What did I do wrong?! Because I didn’t hear back from the principal or “ chairman” I emailed the State of Utah PTA president and then the regional director. Why would this happen to a willing volunteer? Is it because I am not of the same faith or not originally from Utah, new to the area, too enthusiastic to help out or something else?! I really want to know.