SockerHerMom;134461 wrote: then the national group is using your membership money to push an agenda and using their "numbers" to influence legislature .

And some would say that they are using your membership dollars and actually *not* influencing the legislature, which is probably even worse (at least if you have to pay for something you don't want, you'd hope it works). There are significant questions as to whether the vaunted "voice" is actually impactful at all.

This was in Tuesday's Boston Herald: Lesson in arrogance - Opinion & Editorial - BostonHerald.com

Tim

Good job Shawn!

This is exactly the "bully" mentality the PTA reps in our area try to pull all the time. You are 100% correct in that the organization is beholden to their members!!! The district can and does impose it's will on either group as it sees necessary, that doesn't mean it controls it.

As far as the training and publications, that information in widely available on the internet and in our area, our PTOs help train each other as well as attend meetings with other PTOs in our community that are not part of our distrct. We have created a wide range of networking without having to be a part of a national network. There are parent group seminars available through this website that are open to any interested group. Publications are widely available to all.

When you look at it as just a $1.75 for a little information that sounds like a little output. However, when you take that $1.75 and multiply it by 400 members at a cost of $700, then you see the big picture. And, that's only one part of your membership dues going away. Remember, part of your membership goes to the state organization and another part to the national organization. You are then talking about a big portion of your membership dollars leaving your school to cover the costs of "publications" and "trainining" that are available elsewhere for a little or no money. The part about being a member of a larger group that advocates for children by lobbying is a good thing, IF, you are someone that understands what they are lobbying for and agree with the "party line". If you don't agree with all of the lobbying efforts, then the national group is using your membership money to push an agenda and using their "numbers" to influence legislature that you may not agree with in total. As such, the bottom line is that you should know exactly what you are supporting before being a member of any group whether it be PTA or PTO. The main focus of a majority of parents I've spoken to simply want to support THEIR school, Their District, and most importantly Their children.

Informed parent;134453 wrote: In response to the "it was about a Principal taking over our parent group & turning it into a PTA" comment...

I find it ironic that you choose to remain PTO when a PTO **IS** accoutable to the school district. It is "not" part of a state or national organization & therefore the group is part of and accountable to that school district.

However...a local PTA **IS** part of a state and national organization that is in no way accountable to the school district. The district cannot determine what happens to your money or have influence on your decision unless yes, they pay the dues and are a member - then and only then do thay have "one" vote out of everyone.

I also find it ironic that you choose to exclude your teachers in the group. Most schools out there & most parent groups that I've seen- whether they be PTA or PTO choose to (as they should) include ALL parents, teachers, administrators, community members, etc that have an interest in helping the CHILDREN - isnt' that why we're all here! I would think it would be in the best interest of the CHILDREN if the parents and teachers work together as a team instead of treating it as their school vs your organization.

PTA may have dues like was mentioned but you get a LOT for your meager $1.75. You get a multitude of FREE resources that would cost you and your organizations hundreds to produce on your own - not to mention all the training and programs that PTA offers!!!

If you are wanting to have a parent's only group that tries to dictate to the district - I think you will find you will constantly be at odds instead of working together with the school & district

Is there a wbsite with PTA BS (or nonprofit) somewhere that I've missed? Where do ya'll find this crap

if not using school # and they are an approved 501c3

a PTA is accountable to its members PERIOD, (national and state PTA sorta)

a PTO is accountable to its members PERIOD

Yes both groups are /must follow school. district guidlines etc. BUT Both groups members (each group gets to decide what a member is) decide what programs, fundraisers, how money should be spent NOT National PTA (if a PTA), District, school a principal or single individual (they may have input and could make life difficult).

Again PTA's and PTO's are Private Nonprofits -- BEHOLDEN to its members (whomever bylaws state they maybe) only

Informed you are not.. sorry (that without even touching the Principal deciding PTA/PTO BS or the training and cost of materials BS)

In response to the "it was about a Principal taking over our parent group & turning it into a PTA" comment...

I find it ironic that you choose to remain PTO when a PTO **IS** accoutable to the school district. It is "not" part of a state or national organization & therefore the group is part of and accountable to that school district.

However...a local PTA **IS** part of a state and national organization that is in no way accountable to the school district. The district cannot determine what happens to your money or have influence on your decision unless yes, they pay the dues and are a member - then and only then do thay have "one" vote out of everyone.

I also find it ironic that you choose to exclude your teachers in the group. Most schools out there & most parent groups that I've seen- whether they be PTA or PTO choose to (as they should) include ALL parents, teachers, administrators, community members, etc that have an interest in helping the CHILDREN - isnt' that why we're all here! I would think it would be in the best interest of the CHILDREN if the parents and teachers work together as a team instead of treating it as their school vs your organization.

PTA may have dues like was mentioned but you get a LOT for your meager $1.75. You get a multitude of FREE resources that would cost you and your organizations hundreds to produce on your own - not to mention all the training and programs that PTA offers!!!

If you are wanting to have a parent's only group that tries to dictate to the district - I think you will find you will constantly be at odds instead of working together with the school & district

leeann from Rochester Ny;134164 wrote: Thank you Tim, and yes I would like to talk with you. Here is my e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. looking forward to hearing from you. It is greater to have parent like the parents here that will support each other and stand up for what we believe our children having the best 21st Centry Education and safe schools. Thank you again.

something went wrong on the typing of my e-mail address it is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., sorry that happen must have been typing to fast LOL

Rockne;133918 wrote: Hi LeeAnn --

We've seen this before, but it's usually solved with some education.

A lot of district folks and principals don't realize that the vast majority of parent groups in nevada and nationwide are indpendent groupsa and doing great. There's a ton on this site that you can share. Seems you need to find the right folks and help them learn.

I'm happy to help, too, if they'd like to discuss with anyone.

They're right that there is no formal PTO membership organization (though our PTO Today Plus service -- ptotoday.com/plus -- mirrors many similar benefits to a membership organization).

Quick note: that "all teachers must be considered as members" bylaw actually wouldn't fly as a PTA (where membership is based strictly on who pays dues) but actually could be used as a PTO. One typical PTO membership definition is something like: "all parents and guardians and teachers of students at XYZ school and all staff members of XYZ school are considered members of the XYZ PTO." But PTA bylaws would not allow that language.

Tim

Thank you Tim, and yes I would like to talk with you. Here is my e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. looking forward to hearing from you. It is greater to have parent like the parents here that will support each other and stand up for what we believe our children having the best 21st Centry Education and safe schools. Thank you again.