I have to say, this is one of the reasons we quit inviting children to the meetings. This type of stuff was always an issue and it spread into our relationships.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Maybe this is more about the children than the adults. I don't know your full story so please don't take this personally if I miss the mark. But could it be the combination of you and your daughter at PTO events is the problem.
A child comes into a meeting crying, falling down and has gum stuck in her hair and you say your daughter was 'not being nice' to her? That's way beyond not being nice and falls fully into the bully category. If a child is a terror and the parent is either oblivious or has the 'kids will be kids' attitude, I wouldn't want them around either.
Perhaps the other father's "overreaction" to the situation was the proverbial last straw. Confonted with our childrens' behavior, it's natural for us parents to defend them. But maybe you and your daughter would benefit more from a good, solid look at the way she behaves both in front of and away from adult supervision.
And finally, if it's common for everyone to bring their children to meetings, take up a collection and have a babysitter there.
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."
Hey there, wlovelace, dont let it get you down....some astute guy once said:
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you. .......
You cant control the actions of others, and if they dont want to follow their own rules, is that a group you want to work with? I dont know the whole story, but you probably do. Dont stress out over it. Its often a mystery why peopel act they way they do, and its usually beciase of THEM , and not YOU.
From what you've written, I can see two schools of thought on this.
I'd wager that either: a) your group doesn't have solid bylaws; or b) they weren't followed. In either of those cases, you could have a technical case for challenging this removal from office.
But my question is: will that be what's best?
Doesn't sound -- by your own description -- that you covered yourself in glory with your behavior that night. Not saying you're a bad person or your anger wasn't understandable, but you went off. Maybe even way off, right?
So maybe the best conclusion is to retreat, swallow your pride and support new leadership and try to stay involved and participate and prove that you're just the person/volunteer you say you are.
If you go that route -- take the high road even though it may be difficult -- you'll be the bigger person and the group and the school and the kids may well be best served.
If it was a complete railroad job or if some folks were backstabbing behind scenes to do wrong, then maybe fighting it out would be warranted. Doesn't sound like that's the case here.
The sun will rise tomorrow (and in September and December, etc.) if you're not president. And I bet you can still contribute lots to the group. I hope so.
See RRO (sounds like railroaded doesnt it) or rulesonline.com, search for discipline or disciplinary proceudres against members....from what youve described your removal is a non event. It didnt follow the game rules.
Thank you for your infomation on this. I am not sure we have By-laws (if we did the other co-pres. would not be able to take on her 4th year as pres. i would suspect.) I know my actions were wrong but i honestly believe i was wrongfully removed. The meeting was held only for the 5 executive board members and I had a 3/2 vote against. I love my position and believe me have never done anything like that before. I feel my removal was personal and not for the PTO board.