I agree, after six years as president this year I announced that I will not be running, although no one has ever wanted it or ran against me, I made it very clear that the best thing I can do for the next two years my son is here is help mentor and transition the group. Once they realized that I was for real someone stepped up, next week at this time I will no longer be president!
Although I am taking over the high school group...ha ha ha
We set up a nomination committee and allow folks to write in options for folks to be called cause CC is right-most folks are waiting for someone else. If THEY get a call however, they will often say "Okay"....
I too have announced I will step down, but also turned in about 7 forms on folks to call for their willingness to take over the group. Having the committee do it seems to take off some of the pressure...so we'll see if that works...
My guess is that folks are waiting for one of two things to happen:
1. For you to really, really mean it and not give in by saying, "Alright, if nobody else is going to step up then I guess I can do it for another year."
or
2. For someone, anyone, else to volunteer.
The president's spot is just about the hardest to fill, second only, IMHO to treasurer. Is your current VP unwilling or unable to take over?
I've had the most success in filling these types of spots by going out and actively pursuing potential candidates. Some folks have the ability and desire but think it's arrogant to say they can do the job so they wait for someone to see that they can and extend a personal invitation. Others suspect that more than one candidate might emerge and shy away from campaigning.
I suppose the best thing to do right now is to brainstorm with your current board members. Try to jot down five or six parents whom you all really think could successfully lead your group and then very actively pursue them.
Other things that may prevent the emergence of viable candidates:
1. Complete turnover of the board, meaning it's all brand new and scary for everyone.
2. Administration changes. The PTO works very closely with administration. Fear of a new, unknown principal could cause hesitation.
3. You're probably doing such a fantastic job that folks are scared of following in your footsteps, being compared to you every step of the way. Assuring them that they can do a great job and that you'll be around to guide them if necessary can help.
Search the message boards here too. Lots of threads on this subject are out there and may contain information very helpful to you.
Good luck to you!
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
I am finishing my 3rd year as PTO President. We elect new officers each school year. I have announced that I will not be a candidate for this position for the next school year. Unfortunately, no one else is either. We've discussed co-presidents and many other options but still no one will do it. What do we do if no one wants to be president?
