Try putting out a survey to see what's up with everyone.
You can have it where the parent does not have to give their name, they might be more honest if they know you don't know who they are-- ask what fundraisers they would participate in, what free family events would they come out to and what days work best for events... this might give you a better idea of what is going on... We're down as well-- but never out!
Just keep up the good work you're doing. Good luck!

We are also having less participation.

It's the economy!!

Lots of people in our area are losing their jobs. Keep the faith everyone that things will pick up for next school year.

It may be a combination of things....We canceled a event in Nov due to low response. We decided to reschedule the event after the holidays and also switched the night of the week from Friday to Thursday. We were advised that staff would be more likely to attend if events were not on Friday (they just want to go home at the end of the week)..this might be the same for families. Any way last Thursday in the middle of a blizzard we had our
Hawaiian Night..we actually had more people attend than RSVP'd ( maybe because other things got cancelled). With volunteers dwindling and belts tightening....we have had to try doing things new ways.

Our school has had the same problem. We are a school of 1100 K-8 and have canceled our last three events due to poor responses. We are holding a Spaghetti dinner with only 50 people expected this Friday. This is the worst year we've had. Even at events that are free or nearly free, no one is coming. I wish I had the answer.

Our PTO is experiencing decreased participation in fundraising and in attendance to events. Our PTO has always been very strong and able to provide more than most. I was the VP last year and am the current President. I have noticed over the past 4 years a constant decline in attendance and participation. We have implemented some new ideas, but have received positive feedback regarding the changes. We just had to cancel our first event this week due to a lack of interest. We currently have 432 students K-4. We have noticed this year is significantly worse. We are down by $3,000 to date for fundraising and are currently in the middle of our Spring Fundraiser. We are really starting to get worried. I have heard some comments about the economy and that is why there is such a decline this year. Is anyone else experiencing this with your PTO?