I know what she is going through and to be honest with you, if I didn't know for sure that all of my children would not be done with this school until 2014, I'm not sure that it would be worth it. I know that even if I'm only active for a few years I can get them on a good track and establish something for them to work off of for years to come. Besides, my children are seeing changes that are happening that affect them and they are excited that their mommy is doing so much and that's what it's all about! Hang in there and know you are not alone.

I just feel so bad for her because I see all of her hard work result in sorrow instead of reward.

When we went about setting up new rules or getting ideas, we always look to see what other groups are doing and say "this group has found success with this, can we try it this way?" Doing it this way has helped me get many things done that others would generally take personally and don't because I'm using an example of another outstanding group. My husband is going nuts too if that makes you feel any better!

My wife is the PTO President at an Elementary School and she is just beside herself with frustration. I can see that her volunteer experience has been ruined by those who are intent on building their social pyramid and those whose being has become one with their volunteer position. We need all the support we can get but it seems that the conflict that comes with setting/monitoring rules and bylaws has made my wife somewhat of a social outcast. I can't believe how simply pointing out a boundry that has routinely been ignored in the past can be taken as such a personal attack no matter how diplomatic the approach. I need some words to live by as our PTO experience is fast becoming a nightmare.