I believe the best thing a PTO can do is have tons of part time volunteers and then the Board members don't have everyday things on their shoulders. I believe this will benefit recruiting because then you open up the positions to people that are working. If a person feels that they are going to have to be at the school, hands on, day after day then they aren't going to be as likely to want a board position. Of course by part time volunteers I mean parents that are willing to come in and help run snack cart, book store or make copies and such. Having these "helpers" can be....well, very helpful!

Recruiting members in this economy is tougher than ever, we had to reach out to some of our past volunteers to help fill in the blanks. Past Presidents stepped up to help us out for next year. So many of our parents are now working 2 jobs or returning to work for the first time in years that our volunteer pool has dwindled.

We have used our newsletter to communicate when elections are coming up. Unfortunately, when things are going well there is less interest in replacing the current board. We do try to encourage newcomers to co-chair committees. The effective people are tapped out with their kids' activities, work, etc.

I believe you recruit new officers the way you recruit Chairs and volunteers.....ask. I've spent two years watching those that have jumped in to help, given them encouragement and planted the seed about Leadership roles. As my term winds down I've reached out to those people and encouraged them to run for a Board position.

Remembering why we do what we do (as said above) and reminding people of that fact gives a sense of responsibility for serving. This isn't about eqo, power, self promotion....it's about our children and changing the lives of young people for years to come.

My favorite saying...."Together we are doing GREAT things!"

I am President of our PTO this year and most positions were already in place when I stepped in. I am planning to run for a 2nd term as President and have found it the recruiting process pretty easy up to this point having gotten to know so many of our committee chairs and Board. I agree, word of mouth is the best approach. A lot of us who have worked together on different committees know many of the parents and personalities that would best fit where the needs are and have asked. I find that when you ask someone personally by introducing your request as the person being the best person for the job, they are usually flattered and will at least think about it.

The best way to recruit is by word of mouth. It helps if the Board works as a unit and has some veterns on the Board. People are more willing to join if they know they are joining a solid commited team.