make sure in your communications, it is CLEAR that dads are welcome and part of the group. usually, dads are not a big percentage of involved parents in the ptoas, and often its not becuase of work schedule (as many these days telecommute or work out of their home) but becuase the ptoas are percieved as a 'ladies group' of olden times, like when we parents were growing up. let the guys know its not a coffee chat club, and you want their invlvement, ideas, input, experince and talents, too.
In a pinch 'railroading', duct tape, a Membershio VP named 'Guido' or 'Tommy 9 Fingers' have worked for our PTA/PTO's
Seriously use any and all venues to inform prospective members about why, what, and where the money and resources go, do and accomplish (Yes toot your and their horns for $$$ raised, projects run, equipment bought)
Communication and Perception are key
<font size=""1""><font color="#"black"">Liberalism is not an affilation its a curable disease. </font></font><br /><br><font color="#"gray"">~Wisdom of Shawnshuefus</font><br /><br><font color="#"blue""><font size=""1"">The punishment which the wise suffer, who refuse to take part in government, is...
We also worked very hard at communicating the PTO's accomplishments. Newsletter, end of the year summary, bulletin board, announcements, etc.
I tried never to let an opportunity pass us by. For instance, on our officer nominations form that went home to all families, the form took up about 2/3 of the page. But we had a panel on the left with an inset box that just bulleted PTO accomplishments for the year.
It is important to make them realize the sheer scope of all the PTO does.
dlf and pres jim those are great ideas I am in the process of doing the same we are a brand new PTO committee and from what I heard the outgoing really never helped out teachers the way they should have turning done almost every request I have a set amount i am willing to give each teacher since the district only allows $300 all year I am willing to help when I can so i am putting together what we have done so far with the money to show that yes we are here we are new and we will help you help our kids.
TODD
Those "State of the PTOs" I call them are really effective. I usually create one in a powerpoint slide presentation and have it playing over and over before our Talent show and during intermission. It gets the message across--is short and sweet and then we post it on our website. Just have to keep folks attention long enough to keep them focused...
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