I agree with Tim
but the haughty taughty still stands in regards to the bake sale quip (what gives you the right to say that? its uncalled for - In America (and I fought and defended (US Army Ret) a Constitution) that gives me (and others) the right do do just that- BAKE (and read..., run nekkid... I wont finish the quip.. just lookup 'Edgar Friendly' in Demolition Man) and not give a ratsbehind about anyones children but mine (not saying its right but its my Constutional right)- I must follow State and Fed education guidlines but I can raise my children HOW I see fit- to misquote 'Billary' - "It doesnt (have to) take a village to raise my children"- that's all some feel they want, need or have time for any I salute them for spending 1 sec helping their children and mine. If they want to only be involved care about local politics, their school They are being a responsible citizen.
stands in regards to the quip on advocacy - It should not be done by parent groups (the well if... then who will.... comparing PTA, parents rights (its a responsibility not a right) to Civil rights is comparing apples to bicycles - I agree with Tim - start a likeminded National groups (NRA would've been better - AARP is just a bunch of beffudled foggies
-- Private Soc Sec PLEASE!!!!) -- PTA doesnt have the exclusive rights to childrens voices (their parents either-- or membership would be more than 10% of the parent population) just the tagline
in regards to groups- my church, gunclub- NRA, VFW, etc are of like minded individuals that stand for a national cause (none are setup the way PTA is, same comparing apples to bicycles- two distinctly different org concepts)
In my 15 yrs of being involved with PTA's (still a member too- mainly because its the only gig in our school) not once (and I've lived in 6 different states and 3 european countries with PTA's) via survey, phone call, email, any correspondence -- has the National PTA (and I've served on state lvl boards, attended state and natioanl mtgs) have they ever asked my opinion, my childs wants or needs or what my family and/ or community stands for- Not once in 15 yrs-- but I advocate and drive Feinswine and Blockheaster to tears with my constact babble ragging on their Liberal stances and how they ignore the majority and cant get money for our schools (I choose not to do it thru PTA)
1.Yes I agree we need a group to speak up for the issues that effect our children - but where does the PTA get those issues from -- I could give you a list of 500 people (and their children) easy (I have a big Christmas Card list) that have never been asked their opinion etc from National PTA-- let me repeat not once 500 people (and their children).
2. That's my problem (and the bloated use of PTA $$$ in terrible ways)-- what voice??? where do the issues for said voice come from?? where does said voice get it information from?? What parents do they contact?? As to 1. and 2. My church does, the NRA does, the VFW does, the Republican party does, my gaming group does-- activley solicits my views-- whats the PTA's problem -- too good for me??
Family, Friends (Community/State), Country - Advocacy should work the same way our Constitution does National (Federal) cant/doesnt/wont ursurp State (Local) -- PTA National Congress is emulating Congress the incorect way - State Assemblies (Congresses) arent beholden (plus dont send members) to Congress or are attached to them in any way - 50 + 1 all separate entities
Whether a parent or family member is involved for 2 sec or 200 hrs - be it baking, playground duty, spamming Sweinstein and Blockheadster on thier idiot polices, pushing for healthy lunches -- each is an advocate for children and their school and should not be looked down upon -- I think National PTA is run backasswards and unethically but I still stand behind them if they have a valid issue be it local or national (you make due with what tools are available) to rag on them for only Baking etc - is haughty