I posted in this thread already, but I wanted to add some thoughts.
Our primary goal is parent involvement. Not so much at meetings (we've cut back our general meetings to only a few per year) but at events, in the classrooms, etc.
We have tremendous parent support and I personally think that's due in large part to our "everyone who is a parent or teacher is a member automatically" policy. I also think that not having dues is a good thing. If we had dues, I think we'd find more parents thinking "well, I gave already, so I don't need to give again."
I'd rather have a parent giving their time, energy and talents to our programs and events than paying us $1 just so they could vote at a meeting.
I have nothing to prove that our method is part of why we have so many willing volunteers and a successful fundraiser -- just my personal belief that our overall philosophy is more welcoming to parents.
Here in NYC, we do not require membership. Parents, legally appointed guardians or persons in parental relation to students currently attending and staff are automatically a member of the PTA; . In the beginning of each school year, a welcome letter from the association informs parents and staff of their automatic membership status and voting rights. Donations are not a requirement for membership, voting or running for office.
Each Family or staff member is requested to make a voluntary donation of $5.00.Each parent of a child/children currently enrolled at P.S. 95 shall be entitled to one vote and each currently employed staff shall be entitled to one vote.
Hi I am new at the PTO biz with so many questions. As I read this topic I liked the giving the membership due money to the classrooms. Only thing with that is we offer a $25 gift cert. to the teacher attending with the most quests representing their classroom whether they are members or not. We never refuse anyone to attend. As far as the voting process this is new to me since in the past I have not been involved. The bylaws that were spoken of would help me so much to establish a basis since at the present time I have nothing to go by. I beg PLEASE HELP if anyone dare. Any information how to make and build a struggling PTO would be heaven sent.
membership fees offer a lot of benefits which exceed the actual cost in PTAs. if you promote all that members are getting it can be helpful.
access to an umbrella organization to help give more credibility and support to the local schools, discounts and promotions from many major corporations (office depot, barnes and noble) anyone that wants to be involved will be willing to pay the membership fee. many grandparents, students, and past parents are very willing to be members of school organizations because they know that every and any form of being involved will help the children.
For the one that did, it was a nominal per family amount (like $5) and the membership drive was an important kick-off activity for making people aware of the PTO, its efforts, and its activities. Frankly, if we hadn't been collecting dues, we still would have had a similar amount of work just marketing.
Once the membership drive (and classroom contests for most members) is over, there's really no distinction between a family that paid/didn't pay. Technically, only members can vote. But few items are voted on at general meetings (budget and officer slate) and it's always pretty much unanimous.
For that group, there's no benefit to not charging. For them charging INCREASES participation since it's a marketing effort and because the act of joining increases awareness and commitment.
The other PTO I participated in had no dues. Everyone was automatically a member. But it's a middle school PTO with minimal participation and a different focus. For them - I think no dues is the right answer.
In other words, a person who spends time fundraising for the school has an equal voice to someone who chooses not to?
What if that family is not financially able to contribute to the one big fundraiser we do? They should still have a say in what we as a group do for their child.
