Good point Phil. However, I am in the same boat with a full-time job, four children elementary school age, wife's nursing duties, church, and President of our organization. Plus, I mailed letters to no response, left phone messages to no response, e-mails to no response, believe me, I tried my best. But, after neither showed up at the first meeting, I removed both from office. Although everything will fall on my shoulders, I can't tell the difference! I've done everything so far this year anyway. But, I think the more the year goes on and my membership sees what our organization is trying to accomplish, they'll help out. A few have already volunteered. I just don't think they want that "officer" title because it, kind of, "ties them down" in a way. I'll keep ya'll posted.
You are right - it should be the responsbility of each board member to pay thier dues without being reminded. But you also should understand that people get busy juggling work, parenting, family life, and so on so sometimes people don't remember or thought it was already taken care of. A gentle one-on-one reminder (or 2 or 3) in a non-public forum is usually enough to do the trick.
It sounds like the the people you had really didn't want to serve on the board afterall - else you would have heard from them. It is tough to motivate volunteers who don't want to be motivated. But you are now in a tough situation being down 2 board members. Hope you can fill the spots without alienating any other parents.
An update on the officers situation. I recently removed two from office since they haven't paid their dues, haven't communicated with me at all this school year, and didn't even attend the first (and most important) P.T.A. Meeting of the year! Fortunately, I didn't have to go through the formal removal from office since they weren't "technically" officers since they haven't even paid their dues. So, now I have two vacancies on my panel!
Needing help on how to format the minutes for the PTO Meetings. I was elected to be Secretary of our PTO Board, (this being my first year EVER to do this!) and I am a little nervous. We have a school wide meeting next Tuesday(9-13-05) and I need any help you can provide. If anyone has a copy of theirs and wouldnt mind emailing it to me my email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. My concerns are that I have to get up in front of everyone and read this out so I need to know what to say and do! I dont want to look like a "DINGY SECRETARY" up there!
You might have a bigger problem than hand-holding. If your bylaws, like many do, specify that officers/committee chairs must be members or members in good standing, then these people are not eligible to be whatever officer you think they are.
Of course, bringing it up that way would be a good way to find yourself with vacant positions.
I think it's just reminding people of the example they need to set. It's unfortunate to have to hold their hand on this, but also very common.
I have five officers for this school year. I only have one officer who has paid their dues so far. It seems to me that officers should be amongst the first to pay dues to the organization. How do I calmly approach them be it through a phone call, e-mail, or letter to let them know, "Hey, what about paying your dues?" My theory is that they should know officers are required to pay dues and they are adults - I should not have to hold their hand and give them reminders like they're children. (OK, remember to wash your hands after playing in the dirt!) [Insert sarcasm here.] What should I do without coming across so rough?
