We too have the same problem. There are 6 of us who are over extended & exhausted and we haven't even hit the 40th day of school yet.
We are a new PTO at a school starting its 2nd ear. Communication has been key.
I have thought a lot about the people not helping - even gotten riled up. But I realized I can't make judgements on these people.
We don't know what is going on the private lives of others - even SAHMs. I wish I was better at saying no more often. I often agree to do mre at the expense of my family and the whole reason I got involved was for them not against them.
For 3 years I could not do much at my son's old school. I was a SAHM, but very involved in church. I spent 40 hours a week doing volunteer work for them (a lot of work I did at home). But I did spend time volunteering in the classroom when I had a babysitter for my younger one and always went on field trips.
There may be other volunteer work SAHMs are doing and they may work in the classroom or behind the scenes and we never see it.
There are also other things that could be preventing them, like depression. It is cripling. But easy to hind from those who don't really know you.
And maybe there are those people who realize balance & simplicity better than I do. I wish I could get that. Not one person can do everything. As I said before they may have other things going on & know not to take on too much.
I know that there are probably people out there w/ no reasonable excuse and are not helping. I don't know how that gets solved.
I'm at the point that I think we (our PTO board) should each take on our limit - what each of us can do is different. And from there tell the parents if there is no one to do it, it doesn't get done.
Maybe then people will realize how much we need the help. Maybe people think "they'll find someone else." The thing is when we don't find someone, it still gets done by one of the few and then the others think, "see it got done, they didn't need me." Maybe we're hurting ourselves.
It's also a great way to prevent cliques - if we don't take it on and make sure someone else does.
I love my kids & want them to be at the best school. We all feel that way - that's why we do it. But I feel like with everything I have taken on, it has stopped being about them.
I guess I've just been trying to figure things out. Maybe I'm off base, maybe I'm not.
This week will be interesting to see what happens voluteer wise. This week is balloon fiesta and 3 of our 6 will be gone. Maybe my theory will show to be true.
Hi everyone, I am a new President of our schools PTO. I thought I was the only one who felt like this! We have 210 students and 5-6 parents that do everything. Last year the Prez focused on fundraising and party planning, which she was good at, but did nothing to encourage volunteering. So my goal for the year is recruiting. So far I have hung up HELP WANTED signs for volunteers, started a newsletter, an e- mail address, and our web page is under construction. I also am sending thank you cards to every volunteer, for every event, and I am going to make up invitations to volunteer and send to every parent. We decided to cancel our FALL FESTIVAL this year due to lack of involvement, which I stated in the first newsletter. It may have sounded witchy, but I wanted to let parents know that 5-6 of us can not do everything. I recently changed jobs, so now I only work 40 hours, but last year I worked 70 hours(nights, so I could be with my kids)and still did PTO and was a classroom volunteer. So it really burns me when parents that don't even work tell me they don't have the time.
AAHHHH!!!!!! Okay, I feel a little better.
I try to tell all of our "above and beyond" volunteers that family and work needs to come first. After all this is a VOLUNTEER activity. That being said, the personal touch seems to work best. Talking to people, getting to know them before you ask for their help can make for more positive responses when the requests come. There are usually a one or two people who reach out to find where they can help, but many willing parents don't make the time unless they are specifically asked.
On the subject of meetings, I've found that people do not want to go to meetings, but are very willing to help when they know what needs to be done. Give volunteers a specific task, with an end in sight. Before agreeing to do something, volunteers want to know how much time it will take.
One other thought, a person who gives their time photocopying and folding a brochure is just as valuable as the person/people who organize the big fundraisers. Remember to appreciate those who give their time in small amounts as well as your "superheroes."
Couldn't agree more with the need to communicate (announce an event at least three times), issue personal invitations, and be approachable. It also helps to remember that the time for a person to make a commitment may not necessarily be now. One parent I know is very active at our church, but not at school. While I wonder why she doesn't volunteer more at school, I am very happy she has taken the reins at church where I can be lax with a limited commitment.
There is a season.... Lots of involvement in elementary school, but my High Schooler asks that I not be visible. It frees me up to focus on professional organizations and not feel guilty about taking time for myself.
Originally posted by IMovePeople: Hey mykids - - - - I put the email out this year as the new prez of our middle school (yes - did this before in another state at the elementary level - the joys of corporate relocation!)
Made up an email address of (schoolname)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - one of those freebie accounts - people remember it! Just thought it might help you!
you'll be so pround of me, I've already crossed that bridge, now just have to find some quality time to type in all these addresses I got from registration!! UGH......
Hey mykids - - - - I put the email out this year as the new prez of our middle school (yes - did this before in another state at the elementary level - the joys of corporate relocation!)
Made up an email address of (schoolname)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - one of those freebie accounts - people remember it! Just thought it might help you!
