A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience. Oliver Wendell Holmes
sounds like your meeting couldve been an AHA moment for you!! kudos to you for keeping your motivation up inspite of the management style youve described encountering.
to state the obvious, there is NO NEED to be an officer, let alone pres, in order to help your kids class, the school, or the district.
bottom line is, it shouldnt be so hard. sounds like theres more goin on in the background that you might not even be aware of. ya gotta wonder if its worth your time and trouble to hold office when you are not getting from the head of school, the support a 'newbie' needs, right out of the gate.
all imo of course as always!!
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. William James
My heart goes out to you. It is so hard when all you want to do is help the school and it is a fight every step of the way. That is not how it is supposed to be.
It sounds like you have honestly tried to do everything you can possibly do to make this work. Don't feel like you failed, and don't feel like if you aren't a part of PTO then you aren't doing anything. With the kids and the hubby, you have too much on your plate to be brought down by this pettiness. Resign and then pray that by the time your little ones get there, the crazy ones will be gone. Then, go volunteer in the classroom, joins a mommy group, get involved in cancer fundraisers (October is breast cancer awareness month), or just plain enjoy those babies. Keep your head held high and know that you were trying to do the right thing. This group has probably run off more than 1 person and unfortunately probably will again.
And continue to join us on here. You have some great ideas and suggestions. And you and Crew can enjoy being on the sidelines together this year!
Oh, yeah, and whatever you decide to do, please decide to continue to be a part of the fun, zany, educational, supportive PTOtoday family. It wouldn't be the same without you!!!
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
kelgf- I second ademome74! Should you resign - hang back, chair a committee or volunteer for an event. As a single mom, I completely understand the time and kids constraints. I have been actively involved with my kids PTO for years, but know that I don't have the time to committ to Pres/or even the board. By picking my events (I do 2/3 a year) - I'm able to plan (a must for me) how much I'm involved and WHEN. Take a breath, look at what is important to you and go with your gut. Good Luck!
<font size=""2"">If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain - Maya Angelou</font><br />
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<br>Life is an adventure - Seize each moment and make it your own!
ademom74 - is there room on that soapbox for me?!?!?! Absolutely every officer should have chaired a committee prior to becoming a member of the executive board. I wish all bylaws required such a thing!!!
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
Here is my 0.02 cents. I would run in the other direction and here are my reasons why. As you have said, you have never even attended a PTO meeting and everyone is now looking at you to direct the group. And they are not being supportive. And they are giving you nothing be negative feedback. How can you do that? And, you have said that no one has helped you or handed down any documents to you either? No presidents folder, no database, no budget... nothing? Talk about baptism by fire. You also have alot of responsiblity with very young children and a husband who is not home to pick up the slack in the evening. Your home needs to be your first priority.
Ok, I would tell you to resign your position as president. Don't take another board position either, just resign. Then I would hang back, lick my wounds a bit and attend all the general meetings. Volunteer doing committee work and get to know other parents. See how whole group works, figure out the dynamics, even chair a committee (I personally think it should be a prerequisite for all board members to have chaired a committee before being elected but that's a soapbox for another day). Once you really get the lay of the land, you will be able to see how you can make it better. Only then would I take on a board position.
As you say, you have very young children and have many years to get involved. Don't let this one experience turn you off to PTO work. It can be petty and frustrating but also extremely rewarding.
Others will add to this thread and you will likely get many different opinions. Ultimately you must do what's best for you.
