I've spoke the last two years at our Back to School night as President of the PTO. I first thanked all parents that contributed in the prior school year with our PTO functions. I informed parents that without parent volunteers, the PTO would not be able to add so many programs and events to their child's school year. I stated, "For those that don't know, the PTO is more than Bake sales." Then I listed a few major items we do during the year such as fund the classroom field trips, school assemblies, spirit day, after school programs, etc. Although membership is important, participation in our fundraisers and volunteering is critical to our success. One or two hours during the entire school year is all we asked of parents. Whether they work or stay at home, we have functions that can fit into everyone's schedule!!
I then mention the accomplishments we did in the prior school year. Added educational supplies in classrooms, playground equipment, visiting authors/guest speakers, etc.
Parents at least are educated on the postive impact that the PTO makes at the school and how they, too, can make a contribution.

Have you gotten your new PTO Today magazine? There is something in there about this. I thought it was great info. It said something about not focusing on what you need but what you can do for the parents. Check it out!

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Wow! What great replies! I have a better idea now of what to talk about and have a few ideas on how to keep it positive without being overzealous about how great the PTO is. And realistically, our board is way too young to be great...yet.

Thanks again for the ideas and I would love to hear some more if anyone else wants to share.

I've attached my first newsletter column that communicates exactly what I want to get out there the first time I talk with parents. Hope it helps. Perhaps you can work it toward your goals as well. As someone mentioned, don't preach and don't talk about being desparate for volunteers or money. Keep it upbeat and uplifting to inspire folks to be a part of your group. Anyway this is a bit long but I hope it helps:

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This is our first ever Special Edition Prints and it is just for you, our brand new Bobcats. I wanted to give you a special information packed newsletter to get you started with our school and to learn a bit about us…you child’s Parent Teacher Organization. First and foremost—

• We are NOT a CLIQUE...
We are parents just like you…some of us have never worked with the PTO before this year and some of us are returning, Come in and join us. We’re fun, funny, hard working and organized. So don’t think for a second that we are a group not willing to hear new ideas!!!

• You DON’T have to volunteer to be part of the PTO…Your membership is important to us because it means you support those of us that can and do volunteer daily for your children.

• SIGN UP FOR EMAILS…
Do it…whether a member or not, you’ll love the information, you’ll know what is going on in your child’s school. Sign up at brentpto.com, email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or send in a note to the front office. Of course what I really want is you to join the PTO…but if you cannot, we are extending the email offering to non PTO members because they are valuable in keeping us all on the same sheet of music. That’s the community you are in at MBES!

• Every penny this PTO earns goes back to our children and school! The quad, the ice cream social, the laser show, the visiting author program, the jingle bell jog, the movie nights….ALL of those events come from our desire to do fun things with our children. THAT is where the money goes. We don’t use it for lunches out, we don’t spend it on trinkets for each other…are above board in our desire to put into our school EVERYTHING we can.

• We ask for your support!
In our events, in our programs, in our appreciation events…and my experience is that you give it. You give, and you give and you give. THAT is what makes this school special. If you can only give once this year…Thank You. If you give every time…Thank You and if what you have to give is your spirit and a smile…Thank You.

Two years ago, the Bobcat PTO adopted the motto “We’re leavin’ our prints all over the place!” That is what we are doing every day. And every day there’s a little boy or girl that smiles when they have the benefit of our fabulous school and the prints we all leave. Welcome to this place where children daily are learning, laughing, dreaming and achieving. This is the morning of their lives and we in the PTO feel privileged to be a part of their day!

Have a Brilliant Day!!!

That every parent has one thing that makes them unique and that one thing can make a difference at your school. I try to emphasis volunteering in general as some people truly will never be active in a 'group'. Talk about why people dont volunteer 1-no time 2-not for me 3-someone else will do it 4-no one ever asks.when talking about them give the facts...time can be two hours a year, things like that. Have fun with it and make it something that motivates them!