Thank you all very much for your kind words, and thoughtful advice. I'm sorry I made you cry luv, that was not my intent. I have talked to my husband. I am not ready to give up all that I have worked so hard to do. I have decided to give it one more month. This is a crucial month for the members of PTO. IF the woman I keep referring to DOES show up(she hasn't in months)I will see how she interacts.
I'm not exactly sure of what I will do or what clues I will look for. I'll let you know next Wednsday.
I agree with Luvmykids, search your heart. People that are strong go-getters are always looked at trying to take over. We are the type of parents that want to see the best for the school and children. Great organizers. It's not that way. I also have been put into that situation. Now I have taken a break from PTO. I want to be a regular parent. It's killing me to sit back though. I am doing other things in the school. Please search your heart --- hold your head high and you have something to share so share it. I am doing it for my kids.
Lisa, I started crying when I read your post. Like many of us, we get put in these positions and its devastating. It's crazy that people get so hurt out of something they give so much of their heart to.
I have a very good friend who always gives me great advice. Sit down. Look deep into your heart and ask yourself if this part of your life is hurting you or helping you grow and nurture yourself, as well as your family. Hard as it may be, if something hurts you or your family unit, let it go. You will always have them. They are your rock.
I assume your children probably know a little bit of what's going on (I know, don't assume). Maybe I'm speaking out of line, but them knowing that Mom stands up for her beliefs is a great life lesson. You sound like a strong, caring person. Your children must only benefit from that. I'm not saying let them see that someone who is unethical will win out, but let them know you are the stronger person. If you feel like speaking out to members of your school community, do it! If you feel like graciously leaving the PTO for the sake of your family, do it! Only you know what is best for you. The school will be losing a wonderful commodity, but you will be gaining peace with this situation. You said you have a lot to give up, if you resign. But just think what you might gain if you volunteer in another capacity the PTO does not control. You will still be contributing to the welfare of the kids and you can do so with peace and a happy heart.
I know my post doesn't give specific "PTO" tips, but I hope it helps you. Good luck to you.
I am sorry that you are in the same position I am. But is nice to know that I'm not the only one. At least your ideas are done. Once they find out it's my idea, I can just see their eyes glaze over, and their brains shut down. I was very shocked, I mean VERY SHOCKED, that they are doing a few of my ideas this year. I can't even walk into the school building without getting the evil look. This is from teachers, and PTO board members alike. Like I said in my previous statement, this one person on the board has proceeded to turn most of the school against myself, my husband, and a few other parents. I am at such a loss as to how this happened. Do the good guys ever win? I have so many good ideas that would benefit the kids, teachers, and parents. But I feel like a leper. I cannot work with this woman. There are a lot of concerns about her handling of her position last year, but nooone would bring it up except for those of us mentioned earlier. That is what started this whole thing. We questioned her ability to do her position. I heard a lot of complaints about her handling of her position from other parents. So a few of us decided to start a petition to have her ousted from office. We couldn't get them to sign because they apparently like to complain, but not take action. So now I am faced with working with this woman again, AND having everyone know what I tried to do, which just added another reason for them to hate me. I honestly don't want to resign, I have done too much to give up now. But what do I do? This woman isn't fit to do this position. I have a lot of reasons to base that on, I'm not just being petty. But she has pulled the wool over everyone's eyes. And made me out to be the bad guy. What do I do now???????????
Lisa,
I am sorry to hear this sad news. I too have been put into a terrible situation and have been the subject of lies and such. I do understand what you mean about the tough skin. I too thought I could just go on this year and not think about the past, but it is too hard. I don't even think I can even go to the first meeting. The worst part is that they are using all my ideas and my letters to the parents and taking all the credit. You just do what you think is best for you. Some people can take the $%#^ from people and then there are those of us who think we can and can't. If you feel the need to resign, then resign. But don't stay away from the school. For your child(ren)s sake, take part in the classroom and in other places where the PTO has no control. Let the people who count, the children and teachers, know that you are still there to help.