At our PTO, we found out that instead of waiting until the current chair/coordinator was gone, we sstarted recruiting a year before. That way, the new coordinator had a full year to learn the ropes and was comfortable in taking over.

It doesn't help much, but I'm in the same position. All of the volunteers I've approached, reply with, "I just follow directions well. I'm not *really* the leader type." Huh? Most projects don't take much more planning, than, say, hosting a birthday party!!

However, most of my members are new too and aren't quite sure what to expect when they volunteer to lead. What I'm tempted to do is to tell folks that I'm officially organizing something, then assign "tasks" to others that will actually put them in charge of most of the details. I think they're honestly just intimidated by the title. Of course, this only works with people you trust and know can do the job.

Good luck. Hopefully it'll get easier as time passes.

Did you personally ask people to be coordinators? I find that a personal invitation works best. Last year, we asked teachers for recommendations of parents who would be good event/committee chairpeople. Then, I sent them a personal letter saying that they were recommended by their child's teacher, noting the exact positive adjectives the teacher used. A little flattery always helps! I also clearly wrote out the duties and explained that a training session would be provided. I gave them a week to consider it and then I personally called all of them. Out of about 40 letters, I have 20-25 new chairpeople this year!

We have more attendance than ever at our meetings, we have plenty of volunteers to work events but can not get coordinators for events. This is my 1st year as president and I guess these positions will fall into my already full lap. The disgraceful part is that one of the 4 positions is for ink cart. recycling which is a commitment of 1-2 hours a year !!! Please, please, please... I need advice!