Thank you, thank you, thank you. The night went very well. I met alot of new people and got to share my excitement about PTO(no pressure). It was so fun. Our next thing is coffee and cookies for the first day of school. I love this job!!! I also love the help I recieve from this website. I even made arragements to meet with a couple PTAers from some different schools. Did I mentions I love this job! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Enlist the help of others for moral support-- TIm idea and CC are on the right path

Remember there's lots of 'Wiggle Room' (Just for Tim-- Inside joke) to get parents to join, participate, care, etc.

Even though Tim's the only one making $$ of this board (hehe-- as is he $$ regardless) we're all here to help...

The only dumb question, is the question not asked

[ 08-23-2006, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Here's the text of our "Tim's Tip" from the email update two weeks ago:

Today's Tip from Tim - That Open House Speech

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Are your knees knocking yet?

Sometime soon, you or another of your leaders is going to be asked to make the annual "introduction to the parent group" talk at an open house, parent night, or similar event. It happens every year, and it most often follows a very similar script.

My tip: Rip up that script!

The standard approach is this: "Here's our PTO. Here's what we do [usually starting with the big fall fundraiser and including eight or 10 other events]. We meet once every month, and we really need more parents to help. Thank you."

It's nice--and certainly all true--but I'm here to tell you that a lot of parents start tuning you out quickly as you go down that path. Your regulars listen intently, but those aren't the folks you're trying to reach that night.

So flip the script. Your job in this speech is to engage and attract parents. You don't need their help; rather, how can you help them? Give out the home phone numbers and e-mail addresses of your officers, and make sure all parents know that you guys want to help any way you can.

A lot of parents assume that the PTO is just a cliquey group of regulars and that school volunteering is not for them. That's the impression you're fighting--address it! The best way is to use this big opening talk to openly debunk that myth. If there's an 800 lb. gorilla in the corner, ignoring it does no good.

This is your chance to set the tone for the whole year. What message do you want to send?

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Hope it helps. Not signed up for the biweekly tip? Go to our homepage ( www.ptotoday.com ) and use the quicky form in the middle section.

Tim

Hey, I'm quoted more than Einstein and Lincoln these days. I feel special....

Shawn's right. Don't go for the big "Join Today" speech when talking face to face with parents. It lacks sincerity.

I say have fun! Wear matching shirts (if you have time) or at least some kind of nametag so people know who the PTO board members are. Mill around, socialize, answer questions, ask questions, get to know people. If you look like a fun, approachable, inclusive group then folks will want to join. You'll probably find that more people are willing to talk if you're out amongst the throngs and approaching them rather than having the standard sign-up table/information booth making them come to you.

Do have the sign-up table manned with knowledgeable members so you can eventually direct people to it. Even walk them right over and help them sign up - but only after you've spent time talking.

Have fun tonight! Come back tomorrow and let us know how it went.

The best way I've found is too ask questions about the family, school, expectations, ideas. If its just casual conversation dont use a 'Join the PTO/PTA pitch' just talk.. then you cn give them information... I think parents (even interested ones have learned to tune out a sales pitch.. even if they need this sales pitch)

As for a getup an 'pitch 2 the masses' check out the thread on this board, I know a few similar questions have been asked in the last week or so.

Taken from a CC post -- just change to subject to fit


'Public speaking is terrifying for many people. I used to be scared to death. The good news is that the more you speak publicly, the easier it gets.

If you're pretty new at it, I'd suggest having your VP up there with you and perhaps your treasurer and secretary too. This gives you an opportunity to introduce them and gives them a chance to help you out if you need it.

Write up a basic outline in large print to have on the podium so you can reference it from time to time.

Print up fliers with details about the contest. Folks will be busy looking at that and not staring so much at you.

What type of fundraiser is it? Do you have an "opt out" choice for parents who would rather just give money?

I like reward incentives but prefer to find a way to reward the whole school rather than individual classes or students. A school wide reward makes everyone feel like they can contribute and make a difference and avoids the, 'why bother? Your class probably won't win anyway.' mentality.

Some more info about the fundraiser, reward, school size/grade range would help too. Even knowing your mascot or school motto would get the creative juices flowing. '


Good luck -- yoo're not alone-- and welcome

[ 08-23-2006, 04:57 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

I am curious what to say to people about getting involved in the PTO. TOnight is the sno cone social. Thsi is the first event of the year when we try to recruit. Does anybody have any advice for this new pres.? :confused: