I ditto everything that CC and volunteermom say. I took the Chair position of the PTO 3 years ago, after it had been run for 7 years by the same woman, and heard a lot of "rumblings" (no one came to me directly, it was all hearsay) that, "Great! Now, maybe we'll find out where all the money goes and what exactly they do!"

On that note, I put together a one-page, on attention grabber colored paper, letter/explanation of what our PTO does and had it sent home with the students. I explained how it works, listed most all of the areas the money goes to and really played up our need for volunteers (while thanking all those who have volunteered over the years at the same time). The response was great from the teachers, administration and the parents. I received a lot of, "Thanks for letting us know what's going on and how this all works." We also received more $$ that year from our annual pledge drive, since parents knew exactly how that money was being spent.

Looks like you got a dose of reality that we all go through now and again! Don't take it personal. Let the past be the past and set goals for this year and communicate them. Has there been a lack of communication with the parents? Does your PTA send out newsletters actually stating what you spend money on how it benefits the children and the school? In the past we have only had a handful of parents who regularly attend meetings and make the decision on what money is spent on. After thinking alot about this, I thought about all the parents in the school, not just our PTO. They work for their money and participate in our fundraisers. Why would I limit the ideas for how money should be spent on just a few parents. For the first year, I asked a teacher from each grade level what they would like to see the PTO spend money on. I took those responses and made a list and then sent it out to every parent in the school. We have these eight areas that we are considering donating money to. What would you like to see us purchase?

I found that involving the parents, members or not, made all the difference!

You have to also remember that some parents work schedules don't allow them to attend meetings. Send home notes on what was discussed. If you have volunteers show up for events, make sure that they are told or shown what to do. For those of us who are old-times, we may just take for granted that they know what to do or where to go. I personally know that showing up for an event and not being needed isn't a good feeling. I had that happen back before there was a PTO. The teachers ran a fall carnival and asked for help. I told them I would be happy to. Showed up and went from booth to booth and no one knew where to go and no one needed help. Oldest son and I walked around for awhile and played games and left. I felt like I wasted my time and didn't volunteer for a very long time.

I also found it hard to believe last year that we had a PTO for six years and the teachers didn't have a clue what we did. Many of them thought that they had to have a student at the school to attend.

My suggestion is to wait a few days and carefully put together a letter to send home to all parents explaining what the PTA is, what you have done in the past, events, fundraisers and what you have purchased. I would then list what you are going to do this year. You can't rely on one person who "should" be making it clear. Clearly now is the time to step in and speak up. I believe that you will find it will make a world of difference. This is the route I took last year and this year we have had almost a 50% increase in membership.

Communication is the key!

Alright, A, take some deep breaths and then smile because you are actually off to a wonderful start. How is that? You're getting responses to your survey! Look through some older posts and you'll see that some groups can't even get that. It's definitely a step in the right direction for your team.

To address some of your concerns:

Spend more money on the kids: There's no way for parents to see all of the things PTA funds do if nobody tells them. Publish your budget, or at the very least, a bulleted list of items done in the past, such as:

Funds raised in 2006/2007 = $20,000
Field Trips = $5,000
Teacher Appreciation = $2,000
Fun Fair = $3,000

.... and so on.... so parents can see what is being funded.

What do my dues pay for?: Tell the truth. Explain that it covers your teams dues to be affiliated with the state and national PTA and to garner all the benefits of that affiliation.

Why bother to sign up if I'm not necessary?: Work with your chairmen on this one. Encourage them to contact every volunteer on their sign up sheet as soon as possible, even if it's long before the event.

What happens at meetings?: It's unrealistic to think that a lot of parents can make the meetings. It doesn't mean they don't care. Consider posting minutes on the school's website so parents can skim the highlights and keep up with activities at the school. Some groups have their own newsletter or a page on the school's letter too. That's a good place to post the highlights.

Membership Chairman: It's really impossible for the chairman to explain this info to parents at sign-up events. It's usually a crowded, busy activity at the school in which the PTA has a booth, table or space. You don't have the parents' full attention. Posters with highlights, colorful pamphlets, extra people on hand to help answer questions, pamphlets sent home prior to the event (explaining an upcoming opportunity to join your wonderful PTA and why they would want to be a part of it.) Don't blame or put all of the work on one person. It needs to be a team effort.

Finally, I just have to say that it seems the overall challenge for your team is communication. Remember that you know all of the PTA info because you are the leader and see all of the work all of the time. Parents simply do not get this insider view.

I believe the best thing you can do is find multiple ways to communicate with your community: Newsletter, brochure, bulletin boards at school, posting of minutes and budgets. Use any means possible to get the word out to everyone about the great work you're doing and the many ways they can contribute.

This is my 1st year as president. I decided to send out a survey to get a feel for what our parents are thinking and what types of programs they would like to see offered.
Today is only the first day of receiving responses, but I gotta tell ya...I got a whole lot of responses to "what areas can PTA inprove upon?" that said "spend more money on the kids."
I swear i felt like crying. What do parents think we spend money on? It all goes back to the school.
I got some people that said it would be nice to know what happens at PTA meetings. Ummm how about showing up to one??? I got still others that said they don't join the schools PTA because they have in past years and never got told what to do, they don't know what joining does for them.
I am just so frustrated. Our membership chairperson should be making it very clear to people when she tries to sign them up, what they get for it...what meetings they are invited to, that they get a vote in things...etc. Our parents don't have one clue what PTA is or what we do. How is this possible? I don't even begin to know what to do with these responses. I thought of maybe compiling a FAQ's letter with some random responses off these papers and addressing some of the comments. But again, if my parents aren't aware of the simplest things, what's the chances that they'll even read a letter? Where do I go from here? Suggestions?
Thanks
A.