I think that is the problem in that the Exec. Boards seems to want to retain the "power" in decision making, etc. and they don't let the Volunteers have much say in most cases (not all).
They don't let PTO members have a vote in PTO matters at meetings, only the Exec. board and Chairs have a vote. So what is the reason for Parents to come to their meetings? Not like they can do anything to change something even if the majority didn't like something.
We have our last PTO meeting tomorrow night and it should be interesting. The thing is something has to change because only myself and the lady who has been on the board for like 4 years now are willing to do it but I won't commit myself with only 2 people on the board. I have way too many other responsiblities in my church and at home to do that. I've seen this one person do 80% of all the planning and beginning work this year and I know I can't do that.
I want to be part of a team! Not what they have had going on the last several years and results in drama..drama..drama!
IMO, a group should have set leaders with well defined roles. Miscommunication and hurt feelings are bound to result otherwise.
President, Secretary, treasurer, minimum. Committee chairs, and a parent rep and a school rep to get 'outside' perspectives is great, too. We include committee chairs, too, but they don't generally show for the exec meetings.
The key, I think, is for the leadership to remember that they are there to serve the membership, not the other way around.
Committee chairs should be empowered to make as many decisions as they are comfortable, with the president making sure things are legal and the treasurer making sure the budget is heeded. Beyond that, the officers are overstepping unless they have been asked to help or a committee falls apart completely (chair MIA, volunteers all quit) and they have to take over.
If you don't expect too much from me, you might not be let down. <img src=images/smilies/smile.gif>
I would think the most important part of having a successful Executive Board is having Officers who respect each other. If they respect each other they will surely respect the other volunteers. We have never had the police called to one of our meetings but if they were called it is my guess that someone broke the law or someone felt threatened in some way. Focus on respecting one another and not personal agendas at meetings and I would think everyone could get along.
who is Montel? i was thinking along the lines of a dr phil, but if you have a better idea, do let me know, i appreciate it!
and, i do not know why they were called, it was clearly unjustified, just more PTO power trip, intimidation, hasrrassment, adult bullying,trying to irritate (fruitlessly) a member that the sorority doesnt 'like', anyway, thats my guess until i learn otherwise!and, these things do backfire, many moms just plain dont want to go to meetings when they learn of these antics!
Okay somewhere out there has to be a board used for all the horror stories of PTO's. :eek: I can't imagine why the police would have to be called into a PTO meeting!?! Oh our Principal would just DIE!
Montel needs to do a show about these stories!
It is no wonder so many people won't touch the PTO with a 10 foot pole! Still is kinda comforting that it isn't just with our school.
We are going to have our regular meeting next week and just discuss some ideas and see what people think about it. At this point I don't see that we have anything to lose. Nobody wants to be part of the board for next year so it is kinda like we try this or something else or there is no PTO next year.
