Thank you Michelle, I appreciate your insight. I've already registered 3 people and have only one workshop where 2 are going to the same one. Mostly because it is about reaching out the Hispanic population and we are SO lacking in that area I felt in that case 2 heads were better than one. The other members who are attending are ALL going to different workshops. there was so much to choose from. If all 5 people go we will be sharing one room and carpooling to Seattle to attend. Originally we were going to each be responsible for our own meals but we may revise that so our organizations pays for dinners the 3 days we will be there.
Also, I hadn't considered mileage reimbursement, thanks for that tip.
It sounds like there was a discussion, she had an opportunity to air her concerns and chose not to. Your membership voted and that's that. Training is a legitimate expense and having been to a few of the conventions (and actually working one this year) I can assure you that although there is some fun snuck into it, it is definately work for your attendees (workshop to workshop, all day long)
I agree that if you had the dollars, that you offer for this person to go. She doesn't have any first hand experience to draw from and doesn't realize the benefits. It's just dollars to her. however, like Tim said, the people who have taken on the responsibility to attend, need to bring back the information for the unit. Keep good notes and make reports. (I have heard stories of people who went but did not attend any workshops or any activities, make certain that those who are chosen to go are committed to utilizing the information) Try to bring back additional handouts for your own membership. That too will show what you were doing not just out having a good time on the dime of the PTO.
Divide and conquer. Make certain that if you have three people (for example)attending that you each attend a different workshop. There is no reason to have you all go to the same workshop and miss out on the content of the other two. Get the most that you can from it.
I also think that you should cover all costs of the convention. By putting part of the cost on the other member, you are limiting who could attend and it is an opportunity to offer to all, not just those who have the money to cover it. But that does not mean not to be frugal. Share rooms, look for dining coupons. Shop the saver fares online for flights. (Southwest had terrific room plus flight packages) If it's fairly close by (few hour drive) carpool but the cost of gas should be reimbursed (36.5 cents per mile).
I think you handled the situation very well.
Our organization approved addition to our budget to include a Professional Development line. It pays for conference fees, but not lodging. The lodging is the responsibility of the attendees.
Thank you SO much for your confirmations that training is important. I went to bed sad and woke up reading this feeling much better!
We are a PTO going to the Washington State PTA conference since there isn't a PTO conference available in our area. We are not attending any of the legislative or lawmaking sessions and going as visiting NOT voting delegates.
If there's training of any kind I want to be a part of it!
I think training is a perfectly legitimate expense. The objection to this expense is similar to objections for volunteer appreciation parties. Some folks think that every last penny has to go directly to "the kids" or "the schoool". (field trips, classroom supplies, playgrounds, etc.) It's a short-sighted view.
Long-term-minded people understand that making involvement more fun and rewarding (appreciation) helps the kids in the long term. And that training that helps leaders run your group better and grow involvement and see new ideas and... helps the kids in the long-term.
A couple of suggestions:
1. Make sure that those who benefit from training funds report back formally to the group on all the great things learned and how it will help the group/kids.
2. When proposing something like this, I think it's better to discuss the merits of training and budgeting for same and then discuss who should go. This is as opposed to coming to the meeting with: "Mary, Jane and Sue want to go; can we fund it?" In fact, I'd suggest making sure that your training opps be open to newbies. What a great way to ensure that you look (and are) open to new ideas and to develop a new leader.
Tim
PS -- You said you're a "PTO" going to "PTA" convention. Is that right? What state?
I think someone is feeling left out and thus taking it out on you. I USED to feel the same way as your PIA, but then I realized it was silly. The PTA/PTO can't pay for everyone who wants to go, and since the executive board/officers are probably the most dedicated to the group, and will benefit most from the experience, they are the natural choice. I've come to find that most PIAs shout about "the many being spoken for by the few," but in most cases that one PIA wants their wishes to override the manys' vote. It does suck for them that they don't get what they want, because--hey--everyone wants to get what they want, but their feelings and thoughts aren't any more important than anyone else's, and what THEY want shouldn't be what makes the decision for the group.
I think you handled it well, and are justified in the way you feel. The "training" should be part of the budget anyway--why wouldn't you want the officers/board members to network and get something that benefits the group? Look at it this way--and believe me, I know how hard it is to do to ignore that one yapper in the bunch, and have a hard time doing it myself--you're talking about ONE disgruntled person. If she doesn't want to sell the dough--Godspeed--I hope she's happy in the philosophy of life she's chosen. If she's so interested in doing something positive, let her run for office, get voted in and then decline going to the convention. I think this person needs to choose her battles more carefully, and focus her energies on more important things like how your BOE is spending her tax dollars!
