Heathr,
My question would be--just how are they defining fundraiser? Seems to me that a school store may make some money on each item sold, but if that money was only spent to replenish stock, it might not be considered a fundraiser. We do one at our school and it is very popular with the kids. We are self sustaining due to shrewd purchasing/pricing. All money taken in is used to buy more supplies and ONLY that. It also gives us leeway--if a child is short on cash, but needs something, they get it.The school social worker( teachers too) knows she can come to us when she knows of a child in need.We also accept donations of outgrown uniforms that are passed on to those who need them.
I echo the other comments--focus on what you can do for the school(aside from asking for money), get those volunteers involved. Beautify the school grounds--I'm sure the custodian would love someone to weed those flower beds, extra lunch monitors, someone to read a story to a class. Our Kindergarten teachers like having an extra pair of hands to help with "centers". Check with the principal--our school has grade level meetings---put out the word that you're/the other volunteers are available. Sometimes you have to be nosy--talk to teachers, ask them what they need/want that parents could help with. I've even gone so far as to put a notice on the teacher bulletin board telling them--here I am, use me.After 4 years, I'm now on a first name basis with many and we've become friends and we're reaping the benefits from seeds sown so long ago. Think positively, keep moving forward and it will come back to you. Good luck!
Regarding the directory - we also do an "opt out" approach (and ask for affirmative approval if a parent does indeed want their unlisted phone number included). We get the data directly from the school district's computer and then delete the names of those who opt out. We distribute the directory only to paid PTO members, though next year we are doing away with dues and you'll just buy the directory directly. We also solicit advertising from the community and "good wish" notes from the parents which nearly pays for the printing costs. Our parents and teachers would scream if they didn't get their directory each year. Hope you can convince your "higher ups" to let your PTO provide this valuable service.
Our PTO sponsors a Santa Shop each December. We purchase our items at a store where all items are $1. Each student can purchase up to eight items for $1.50 each. This has never been a "fundraising event". The .50 profit made on each gift helps pay for treats to the students and staff on the day of our shop. Santa even visits with the children at lunch time. Hopefully you can promote this idea as a service to the students to buy gifts for their family with no profit making to the PTO. Our students, staff and families look forward to our shop each December...we have so many volunteers! Best of luck in your PTO...don't get discouraged, just keep on working for the children! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Sounds like folks are "afraid" of your parent group, a bit.
What I mean is that -- judging by the restrictions and the "nos" you're getting -- they're afraid that your PTO will become a pain in some way or get in the way.
While everyone on this forum knows that's crazy, it's still a fairly common impression.
How to combat it? One step at a time. Slowly but surely prove through your actions that you're doing great things for the school and building community and a special environment. You won't be a pain or a nuisance. You'll be agroup that the school can't do without.
My suggestion: Run a fall fair where you don't charge for a thing (can't be called a fundraiser then, right?). Seriously -- nothing. Have games that are free, a hay ride that is free, even food that is free. Make it a really fun day that can grow into a huge annual tradition.
And look for more opportunities to provide that kind of service to your school community. Use your fundraising proceeeds to fund great involvement events. As you do that, impressions will change and you won't have to scratch and claw for every permission.
It takes a while (maybe even years), but it's worth it.
Don't let a few bad apples slow you down. I understand you need funds but maybe the first topic being fundraisers wasn't the best idea. Maybe take a year to focuse on the volunteering side of this, yeah become an organized volunteer resource for the school and by next year or the year after that try again to organize one or two fundraisers. Start slow, small and show the community the group it there to HELP not be a fundraising machine for the school.
I can hear those ideas screaming in your head....organize a pot luck lunch for the teachers during conferences, organize a coat drive or clothes drive this fall....this helps the school but should not cost the PTO anything but gets you out there....
You can do this....just redirect your intentions..
I can give you a couple of answers/suggestions, but hopefully others will chime in here.
1) The easy one--joining NPN is a way for you to get information; you don't have to answer to them.
2) Directory--I've been in two different schools that have done directories; both went about it in different ways. In one, when you joined the PTA, you signed something saying that you wanted your info listed in a PTA directory, and that is what was published. Then, a notice went out in the school newsletter that said, hey, even if you're not a PTA member, you can be listed--just fill out this form and send it in. So, they had written permission from everyone.
In the other school, it was more of an opt-out process. The newsletter said that a school directory was going to be printed, and if you didn't want your child's name/info printed, you needed to contact the office and tell them. They also sent two additional notices home in the kids' weekly folders giving the opportunity to opt-out.
The opt-out process was much more successful, and I've never heard any complaints about either.
3) Four fundraisers actually seems like a pretty decent number to me; not sure why you're getting so much resistance to your ideas. Maybe a few years ago people felt like the PTO had its hand out constantly, and you're experiencing fundraiser backlash? The two schools I'm in typically have one big fall fundraiser that is a wrapping paper/gift/candy thing. Then they have a couple of others that are more fundraising "events," like a silent auction, family bingo night, school supply drive or golf tournament.
4) There are many things the PTO can do that aren't fundraisers. Someone on one of these forums posted a list maybe a month or so ago, but I can't find it right now. I saved at least part of it and will post here--apologies to whoever provided this before that I'm not giving credit to.
-Coordinate volunteers for special events
-Organize school spirit activities
-Pursue grants for teachers and staff
-Recruit speakers for classes and assemblies
-Publish a school directory
-Welcome new families
-Assist with safety programs
-Serve on strategic planning groups
-Coordinate Teacher Appreciation activities
-Research educational issues
-Solicit donations of funds, materials, in-kind services
-Increase community awareness of school and school programs
-Support after school programs
-Organize seasonal or cultural events
-Host family activities
