Many school districts have started educational foundations which are non-profit organizations created mostly for the purpose of fundraising for the district.
But these aren't your parent-run type organizations who sell giftwrap and cookie dough. These are professionally run organizations that go after grants, corporate sponsorships, and big activities.
You might see if your district has one or is planning to start one as they may have paid staff. But this is a business type office, not one that would normally interact with the kids at the campus level. And if they have paid staff, they may focus on grant writers and professional fundraisers.
I would be surprised to find out that any parent group has paid officers. Sure it's hard work and some days it's easy to think about how much that work is worth in the corporate world. But any money that goes to paid staff is essentially taken away from the kids. You may rightfully argue that there wouldn't be any money for the kids if you weren't leading the efforts but I truly believe it would be difficult if not impossible to get parents to support your fundraisers.
There are many ways to establish a parent group and drive positive change at your school. If you are unable to dedicate that much time right now, perhaps rounding up some parents who can is the best thing to do.
Many parent group leaders are also employed full time, take care of families and perhaps even belong to other church or civic groups. The key is having a solid team of people who will work together with a common goal.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
<Education Foundation>
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17 years 11 months ago#105228by <Education Foundation>
You could get a job with your school or district, or consider to donate things other than your time (your expertise, or money, or supplies or whatever the teachers/school needs). Time is not the only way one can help out a school. It takes all kinds of things to make a parent group successful.
And at the end of the day, how you help your kids when they are at home, also brings a lot to the classroom and school as a whole. Just do what you can. You are still contributing even if your contributions are not NOT VISIBEL. In fact, its the invisible contributions (the non recogninzed ones ) that sometimes mean the most, becuae they are from the heart and for the right reasons. Those that do what they do solely for the recognition, are not doing it for the right reasons anyway.
If your getting paid for your time then you are no longer a volunteer and you are now a paid employee. These types of groups are volunteer based and trying to pay yourselves for volunteering would not work.
I am new to PTO. Someone just mentioned it to me the other day and I am here trying to learn about this organization. I am very interested in starting a parent, teacher group and would like to fundraise to bring in programs for our high school students. I have volunteered for many years and most recently have placed my home based business on the back burner. I can no longer volunteer and not bring home an income. I am torn because I love to work for our school and students. I am thinking of starting a non-profit which would allow me to pay myself something. Although, I love the thought of a PTO group I don’t know if it’s something I could do anymore if there is no compensation. Has anyone ever paid the officers of their group something? Is it advised?
