Didn't have the time to read through all of the responses to the OP, but I do understand where she is at. When I took over as President the first few meetings were awful. The past President even admitted to coming to the meetings to be a "thorn in my side". I knew it would happen so along with the membership packets that were distributed before the first meeting I included a condensed version of meeting rules from Robert's Rules of Order and explained that in order to help our meeting run properly and more smoothly this sheet will serve as a learning tool for all of us. At the first meeting I had my "Robert's Rules" book prominatley displayed on the table for all to see that the new board was not kidding...Whenever someone talked over a floor speaker I would gently remind them that they did not have the floor and they would be recognized in order...did it tick people off, yes and the first three meetings were very tense. I am happy to report that sticking to your guns does work and soon as new people came and the meetings were more productive the tone did change and our meetings are very good ones. I do understand that it may be hard for some past presidents to let go (after all of the blood, sweat, and tears they put into the group) but if all of us can remember how the few bad apples ruined meetings and we behave better when it is our turn to be a "past" president our groups will be better for it.
Yikes-let's get back to the topic-how to run a successful meeting. Have an agenda, have a motion, a second and a vote to accept the agenda, thereby given anyone the opportunity to have something covered. Your Parliamentarian MUST do her job of running the meeting. I very graciously remind everyone at the beginning of the meeting that this is a business meeting, not a planning meeting. If they would like to be more involved in the planning of any event, please watch for information regarding those committees in the weekly newsletter. My Parliamentarian and I work together to make sure that one person has the floor, and if something gets heated, we set a time limit for each person to speak as well as a time limit to discuss the subject. It's worked pretty well.
Hope this helps. I have a whole list of notes pertaining to our school that I passed on to the incoming pres. as well as a disc. of information, forms, etc. that I gave as well. I might be able to help you if there is something specific that you have a question about.
Hi Ya'll,
After reading all these posts, a couple thoughs come to mind.
I suggest you make sure you and the parliamentarian are well aware of how a successful meeting is conducted. You should both have a short concise sheet of Parliamentary rules that help you and the parliamentarian conduct a proper and good meeting. Your parliamentarian is your right hand and needs to know that, she's just not another chair that is being occupied.
Second thought is that with all the negative things that have been brought up on past presidents and bad experiences, I only want to comment, "We all must learn from these past experiences and make sure that all of those that surround us as learning too - so that the current and future officers and chairmen benefit from the personal growth that the current leadership brings with them?"
Life is precious and the time we have here to make it better for thouse around is, is very special.
Best wishes for all the leaders in PTO and PTA today and every day. Keep smiling, embracing others with your kindness, and inviting them to be a part of the great group that you are a part of right now.
I too am a "system bucker". It has made me some enemies. (As some of you might have read in other forums) I will continue to say, THIS IS FOR THE KIDS. egos need to be checked at the door. I have bitten my tongue many times in meetings, because it wasn't appropriate to respond to the verbal backlash I was recieving. Just keep my quote in mind, do what you think is best for the children, and everything else will be a distant memory before you know it. GOOD LUCK.
Hi Amy-
I'm the surviour of a colorful past president. She not only gave me limited info (thank goodness I was her Secretary so I at least had my own info to go by)BUT the year before made it impossible to get anyone to be involved in the PTO- or rather want to help.
My first meeting was exactly like yours, you need to hold your head high and forge on. I reminded myself that it was sad she couldn't handle or accept the fact that I was elected but soon learned I was not a spirit to be broken. You were elected to the position for a reason, whatever it may be (it must be good!)you need to - shoot- YOU ALL need see the reasons in yourself and walk away from the stuff (I would love to use a much stronger word!!) and be the stronger person! I won't be shy to tell ya all I cried after my first meeting... the last parent left and I sat down and cried. The next meeting was just as awful but I was prepaired- mentally. This is the perfect time to think what you tell your child if the same thing happened to them. Say it was a speach and the class bully told him/her it was boring (work with me here), yeah sure the teacher would say something to the bully but how would you tell your child to handle it...exactly...no this is no different. Well you don't have the teacher to handle the bully but you can listen to your own advise. I was told to be the stronger person and the bully won't amount to much (in my case he didn't and is serving time...10-20 years to be exact) but listen to yourself...be strong...ain't nothin' gonna break your stride, nothin' gonna slow you down!
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Sorry, first of all I meant school principal. I did not proof read before I sent a reply. Yes, the school principal is in agreement with "so what with the by-laws" so far as it seems everything is running smoothly. But guess what, I've bucked the system and they do not like it.
