We are a small private school with 150 students and not much parent involvement. I have the same problem, my PTO secretary position became full-time job. We raise money and one person spends the money on what she thinks the school needs. ex. foamie apples for the teachers, craft items she makes for the students, instead of giving the crafts to the teachers to have the students make. This same person does not participate in any fundraisers she does not start. Any idea, I have is shot down because we have no money. Our president is out to lunch, cannot remember anything, I call her before every meeting or event to remind her. The VP hardly comes to meeting and events she shows up and does not help. The solution to my problem, I resigned. I feel bad about quiting, but I am very stressed out about the whole thing. Should be fun, no fun in my PTO.
These ideas are wonderful! I printed out all the links and appreciate all the input. A think a plan with some support to back me is the perfect idea. Thanks so much!
We have had that same probelm over the past couple of years but this year we have a whole new board and we decided to start things off differently. We created an outline of the PTO's plans for the entire year starting in August 1. The outline contained estimates on cost and manpower. We had sent out a survey before school was out asking teachers and staff to choose some of the events, themes etc. they would like to see and built on that. With the staff already behind our plans the principal seemed much more receptive. We will see how the year progresses but right now thumbs up!!!
The staff and other PTA/PTO members get into the "thats what we've always done, so why do something different" mode.
Start hitting up local stores for donations of food or money. Tell them you are in need of funds for xxx event, that you are a PTA/PTO and donations are deductable.
Want a movie night? Print out theinfo for the license, have proof of donations to cover cost and create a flyer. Present this to the principal. Try to think of all the excuses she can give, and have a valid comeback.
What about a parent resource nite? Last year this site offered an internet safety nite - tons of good information. What about cpr training? Or even a potluck held outside (the kids can play while families socialize).
Try to set something up for the beginning of the school year, where parents will be more likely to get involved. Maybe after 1 successful event, she will realize it isnt sucha bad idea.
We had this same problem for a few years when I first came on to the board. The problem was that we had some people in power positions that were comfortable and stuck in a rut.
The first thing you need to do is set a plan, like was suggested above.
1. Have set goals. Even have estimated costs that way there will not be a huge problem about that. None of the events you mentioned cost a whole lot.
2.Next have your counter arguments ready. For instance, nothing is better for a school than parent involvement and the best way to get parents involved is to get them coming into the school. Number one way we get parents in....have food! Also, plan fun family activities like Movie Night (great kit on this site for movie night) and parents will roll in.
3. Get some allies. I promise there are other people who feel the same way you do. Find them. There is power in numbers. Use those people to help you when going to people.
4. If you don't like the way things are, get in a position to make some changes. I am talking about becoming an officer. These are the people in the position to affect the most change. (This is what I did. You are looking at the new president!)
5. Be persistent! Don't give up. Change is hard for people. They are going to find reasons why things won't work. Your job is to have the reasons and solutions as to why things will work. Don't have money for a breakfast-get some donations from a local business. Movie Night is illegal...get a one time license of $75 and sell popcorn to pay for it.
These are just some suggestions and ways that we found to turn our PTO around.
Belfontepanthers -
Thanks for jumping with the movie info --appreciate that!
Meredith-
Here's a thought: rather than approaching the principal with isolated ideas and events, write up a
strategic plan
(sounds more intimidating than it really is -- here is a
sample
; ) with how the PTO proposes to
work towards your goals
... which in your case is to build community and get more parents involved and her case it get more funds. The two goals play off of each other. You need to get more parents engaged before they will donate more time and money. Hopefully the plan will help you
build support for your new ideas
.
Your instincts to reach out to new parents are excellent. Maybe you want to copy a couple of articles or send links to the principal? Here is a good article that supports your boo hoo breakfast idea:
In terms of getting more people to help you, here are few articles (in addition to the ones I hot linked above) for you to check out -- just in case you haven't already read them:
