It amazes me how many new families we have to come to our school during the year. We are rural and there are no factories or major job opportunities so I figure that more urban or suburban type schools really have alot of people come in. I always thought it a good idea to send out a reminder or put something in the newsletter about what people need to do to volunteer at our school and how a few other things are done. Alot of our families move in right before and right after winter break and sometimes get over looked since we don't have a Welcome Committee. You could do this subtle like and not make this parent feel like she is being pointed out but still get the point across.

Hi everone...there are alot of good ideas here. As far as contacting them personally it is impossible because no one knows who it is. My principal is very aware of what is being said and she figures it will just go away. the problem being this person has basicaly put up a "billboard" in our town and a neighboring town declaring that our group is a click and that we turn people away(theres alot more than that). If we knew her name I could probably sue her for slander that's how bad it is=) anyways I think i will get through it and hopefully our group will stay strong...i think they will..it might be awave but hey isnt there always. I am thinking that on all sign up sheets to put a line to right donw how many times i tried calling, what response there was, and went a reminder went out. I know I have written tons of little notes on those sheets but now i think i will step it up one notch and actually make space for it.Thanks...

pals--I don't see how anyone can argue with what you're doing. But as the posts have gone on, it sounds like you're really having a problem with one person, and that you've talked to her directly about it. Not much more you can do. The only other thing I can think of is to make your principal aware of the issue, so that if the person goes to the principal, she has your perspective.

If, however, I've misunderstood and you haven't talked to the person directly, I would get her phone number or email and communicate something like this. "I understand that you had wanted to volunteer at the ??? and were disappointed that you weren't contacted. I can't seem to locate a sign up sheet for you and want to make sure this doesn't happen again. Could you please tell me what events you would be interested in going forward and verify your contact information with me?" It's worked for me in the past.

pals,
All you can do is what you're doing now. If one person is attempting to ruin a VOLUNTEER organization....., doesn't say much about that person.
I agree that hounding isn't my style. I'll make a couple of phone calls, send home a couple of notices, and if I still don't get a response, I move on. No one person will stop me or my organization... Too much of that type A personality. [img]smile.gif[/img]
I don't ever tell anyone they can't volunteer, because we're always in need of help. BUT, I've had to be judicious as to how someone can help without creating more work for everyone else. (If you know what I mean).
Just keep doing the terrific volunteer work you have been doing.

metzy mom...there's alot more to this story than I choose to tell on the forum. All I will say is that this person is out to ruin the reputation of myself and this group. I know chlling will be the best thing to do but worry about what is going to happen next....I feel like i need to protect myself and our group.

Chill out and (I can't believe it's me saying this...lol) blow it off. Being upset over this isn't worth your time. As long as you keep the issue open, so will others. Close it within yourself and others will too.