hehe, too many meds, I think I knew that just glad nonoe threw eggs at my house for the swell pun
<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...
<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...
Originally posted by PTOMaggie: Really? If the "Vast Majority" don't give a hoot which letter why change?
Because one acronym costs about $1,000 per year and one doesn't. It's exactly because so many don't care about the acronym that so many groups change -- why pay a large premium for something that's not valued.
Note: didn't say not "valuable" (don't need to start a typhoon); said not valued. And it's not valued in this context; not not valued overall.
For me, I feel that the back-to-school time frame is so importnat for setting the involvement stage for the whole year that I'd hate to get a whole PTO v PTA dust-up going during that key time of year. The vast majority of parents won't/don't give a hoot about your acronym and the debate will just confuse them (and confusion is a huge turn-off) at a time when your most trying to connect with them. Ouch.
Really? If the "Vast Majority" don't give a hoot which letter why change?
I think an informed, intelligent open discussion is the only fair and democratic method for changeing. What are we scared of?
The "Vast Majority" is the group we are trying to reach, they should be included in any discussion of changing!
If they will be confused, and disrupt the day to day work of the group, why change?
OK....
First it is most important to define your reasons for changing. The grass make look greener, but be sure your reasons and objectives are clear.
You can create a PTO anytime, there is no National PTO you have to contact, or answer too.
Lots of good info here on starting a PTO. (also lots of great info on running a PTA/PTO here and at PTA.org) Get you EIN # from the IRS and state tax ID number (if required) then file for your non-profit 501c(3) with the IRS. Lots of work ahead of you, that's why I always ask WHY? before you start.
To make sure everything runs smoothly with your change get all the info out, let everyone know how and why the change. Have an open discussion (maybe even invite someone from the State PTA to come in and present their side [ by the way, we are ALL on the same side, its for the kids] of the difference between PTO and PTA.