Don't get me wrong, I also think that the fun stuff is important. I forgot to mention that before. I just think that the PTO should have a more serious side. I don't consider these issues anything but positive. Hardly controversial at all.
However, I do know of PTO's that are considered a force to be reckoned with. They are the voice of the parents and the teachers that the school board is forced to listen to. I don't want to be like that necessarily, but I sure would like to see the parents more involved with keeping their children safe, and for the club to organize that.

The mission for the XYZ PTA/PTO is to identify curriculum and programs deemed by the membership* in its sole discretion to be vital to affect the richest educational experience possible for our children; to maximize the role of the school itself in fulfilling these objectives; and to plan, organize and execute events and programs which generate the resources and mechanisms necessary to fulfill these objectives.

It depends on what the groups mission, vision and goals are?

Our PTA/PTO's have always done appreciation for teahcers, fun assemblies (school shouldnt be just sitting in a boring classroom), field trips. books for library, garden project incorporated into curriculum, just to name a few. All are good ideas in moderation.

As for the NCLB and security most parents leave PTA and go to PTO's (which have NO nat'l org like PTA) for 2 reasons:

1. No dues
2. No lobbying

Most can affect school policy (better school books, security, NCLB) thru other lobbying nonprofits or just getting a group of likeminded parents and/or community members togehter (you dont have to be a nonprofit to affect chnage, enhnace curriculum or children's education and or school)

That maybe Nat'l PTA's underlying strategy (its for the children and change, etc) but its one I disagree with (the way money is spent, lobbyists, and the fact they they think they speak for me when they've never spoken to me)

Majority rules. If the PTA/PTO only wants to do teacher/admin appreciation, fieldtrips, assemblies then that's what it is... If other parents want it change they need to get (ELECTED) a majority on the board and request change (or show up at a mtg with a list of ideas, concerns, etc).

Forming another group also

1. May split resources available- two groups running events, fundraisng
2. May not be allowed on school grounds- Parent participation is a right- having a PTA/PTO isnt
3. May pit the 'left hand' vs the 'right hand' - thus nothing gets done or $$$ raised
4. Everyone gets fed up and supports niether organization

Best advice get like minded parent, discuss alternative programs, etc, go to mtg's, get informed on how, what, where, PTA/PTO is doing, get ELECTED, then compromise to get some things changed

Parent involvement, FUN, enhancing education, FUN, Stakeholder empowerment, did I mention FUN? should be covered in some way in the mission, vision and goals jsut to name a few.

I see all the issues that the PTO's nationwide are taking on. NCLB, and school security are issues that I would like to see our PTO take on. Unfortunately, my ideas have been rejected. They buy the teachers and the school board appreciation gifts, puts on fun little assemblies, and provides treats for the students on various occasions.
Is there a standard from which PTO's are supposed to follow? Can they really call themselves a PTO when they are not doing what PTO's are doing nationwide?
I live in a small town. We already have a booster club and we have this "PTO". I would really like to see these issues addressed.
Should I start another PTO?