Thanks for all of your ideas. It saddens me that so many parents are not involved in their childrens education. What I see happening at our school regarding volunteers is that the same people help out, serve on the board, and attend meetings. Our demographics is middle class, and it blows my mind at how many stay at home moms we have at our school that just want "someone" else to accomplish things. The response this year has been that our board was so strong and united that parents want us to run again. For medical reasons I can't (or shouldn't) so I am really dissappointed in some of these families. We have made it so easy for incoming board members in that we saved every form, file, contact, etc. I appreciate all of the responses on this board. It really does help.

Personal conversation with prospective candidates is the way to go. Many think they don't have what it takes and they wouldn't consider it. However, if you point out their positive characteristics & talent, they tend to think about it and come around. I'm working on a few myself to run for next year. I only have 3 days left, but because we have some harsh parents that give me (current president), some teachers and others at the meeting a hard time, many parents are leary about running. They don't want to be a target for the backstabbing!

Have you given some thought as to why no one will volunteer for a board position? i.e. Is this a typical response during elections? What is the reputation of the organization? Open minded and receptive or we have always done it this way? Some of the hardest things to overcome are the perceptions people encounter when they attend meetings. To chime in with the rest face to face communication would be the route to use but also be open to finding out why many are not interrested.

Duct tape, chairs with shackles, forming a 'conscript group' ie like how sailor were acquisitioned for British ships (wait till they're passed out at the bar)

Seriously the best ways are posted about- the face 2 face questions' "Will you, can you be XXXX board mmeber or chairmen" or phone calls

Less than 4% of surveys, sent home flyrs etc are responded to

no doubt, i agree with the others. Personal invitations to explore the possibilities of exec positions. Just be careful not to " offer" it to one person.. and then have to wait a week for him/her to decide. Inviting them to consider it , because they have x, y and z talents and strengths... keeps the door open for you... and doesn't inadvertently commit you to the first person with whom you speak.

then, ask THEM whom they think may also be a great candidate!

I agree with PMCW, a personal inviation is much better received. That's how I became President, and I had never even chaired a committee! The parent who was President at the time called me up and said that someone mentioned to her that they thought I'd make a great President. They noticed how I offered suggestions and seemed to want to be involved. Of course, I was dumbstruck by this, I had only been a member for a year and actually, never even felt that anyone knew who I was (small town, and I'm a transplant) I voiced my concerns and she suggested that I run for Vice President for the upcoming year, while she was serving her last year as President. That way I was able to see how things were done before I ever stepped in as President, which I did the following year. I guess my point is, I never would have signed up for such a position . . . NEVER . . . but her phone call made it happen. And I am glad. I bust my arse, but it is so worth it! My kids love the fact that I am so involved, they get to see me in their school a lot and I have learned who all their friends (and foes) are. I have made so many great friends, myself and have learned a great deal. Pick up the phone