Wow, I thought it was just me. This year is my first year as Fundraising Chair on our PTO and no one really wants me there. Our president flat out told me that there was nothing for me to do everything was set for the year. Why am I here if there is nothing for me to do. I work full-time and volunteering in the classroom is not an option. When I do volunteer in the classroom my children tend to be a little clingy and I prefer that they socialize with their classmates and not me. So, I find it is a better option for me to volunteer outside of the classroom. I wish I had an answer, but I am struggling with the same issues and it is tough. I try to ignore the negativity and focus on why I am doing this. It doesn't make it any easier for me but it allows me to keep going and not quit. Good Luck

This may be a hard thing to do, but if you could step back and take a long look at why this situation happened. I have been involved in PTO/PTA for over 20 years, and I can honestly say that these things never happen out of the blue. There are usually signs along the way that we think will blow over. It may be the best thing for you in the long run to take a year off from PTO, and follow the previous suggestions about being directly involved in the classroom. Maybe a year off will give you and those so anxious to cut you out a fresh perspective. A little down time can be a blessing and an opportunity for you to become more involved in your church, scout group, etc. You sound like the kind of volunteer we are always trying to find at our school. Your devotion to your children will be appreciated by them long after these petty individuals have been forgotten.

Busybbbee, this sounds as if you are in my school.
I am in your shoes and I have backed away from my PTO and am doing things for me. I do not volunteer to chair or help with any activity unless my children are there. We recently had our major fundraiser which I have chaired for the past 2 years and I only went to watch my children. I got asked questions and I told those asking that I am not in charge and they would need to ask someone else. I have always been very active in the school but I can't stand the Pres. of the PTO and don't like the way she runs the group, the way she talks to those that are working for her and don't like the way she spends the money. The people that have stepped up to the plate this year, those who voted her in, and volunteered are seeing a whole new side to her. What comes around does go around.
I know next year will be different but for this year, I am sitting back and only volunteering in my children's classroom and am not supporting the PTO.
Good luck in your school and remember it's for the CHILDREN.

I agree with one of the other responses. If you want to remain active in your school you can find many, many ways other than the PTO. I am sorry this happened to you, but look around and talk to the teachers about others way that you can make a difference. Remember, what goes around comes around and wait until it is your turn to shine.
Tutor, read, assist in the class, teacher appreciations, parent appreciation, ect.... Many ways to stay active.

I find it odd that we experienced the same situation at our school. It is imperative to run any organization by the bylaws that protect it. You have every right to be a participating member of your child's PTO.

I am a person in a similar situation as you so I choose to resign my chair positions due to a conflict of interest (the bylaws) with our present board. I work for the membership. You do not need to hold a chair position to be an active, upstanding member of the PTO. As for how you are feeling, I know only too well. CHIN UP!!!! Don't walk away. STand for what is right and all else will fall into place.

I think everyone else had very positive suggestions; work where you can and ignore the official events. However, it sounds like you enjoyed being a part of the big group and chairing things. I could be totally off base here but I'm wondering if the new board just wanted a clean slate. I find it easier to work with chairpeople that have done the same committee for a few years but I really like it when someone fresh steps in, takes things over and sees their committee with new eyes. Although it is sometimes painful, change is good! Other organizations that are usually looking for volunteers are boy and girl scouts, perhaps focusing on something totally different would work. Good luck.