This is my third year as PTA president, so most people know me and know who I am, but I still get a lot of those comments. If it's someone I know well, I say that the PTA's motto is: To complain is to volunteer! And them ask them how they would like to help change whatever is bothering them. I only use that on people who know me and will see that I'm half-joking!
When others say it, I remind them of all the great things that our PTA has done for our school and all the work/money that's needed to do those things.
bearmnt,
Don't let them get you down! Think that Jen gave some good advice. Thanks, Jen!
Next time someone says something negative why don't you say, "That's interesting, why don't you talk to the PTO president and see if you can take this on?" It's frustrating when people share advice and criticism when they are not part of the solution.
I am amazed at how much people love to bark and complain and yet not offer their time or solutions to the problem they are complaining about.
At this point...I let it roll off of my back because if they are not willing to step up then all they want to do is squawk. So let them squawk.
It is not just the PTO that deals with this. We have a wonderful den leader for our cub scout troop and the amount of abuse she has to take is ridiculous. Yet the people who are complaining refuse to do anything to be of assistance. I fear they are going to drive her out of the position and then we just will not have a troop.
Let it go, let it roll. Keep smiling. It's for the kids!
I just took over our schools fundraising chair this year and we are in the midst of our first sales fundraiser. Many of the parents don't know that I am the chair yet and keep making really mean and rude comments about fundraising for the PTSO. I always just smile and nod, take it with a grain of salt and go on about my day. I was just curious if anyone else has a problem with parent disintrest?
