I know that some organizations operate how they do because of 2 reasons...
1) That is how it has always been done (Personally I HATE that phrase!)
2) The people doing it are doing the best they can with the time they have and don't know/aren't sure how to make the changes with the limitations that may (or may not) seem immense.
From my experience I would recommend that when you approach the lead person do it in such a way that you are presenting possible solutions... not more problems or time commitment items for that person to manage.
Such as directing her to PTO Today...
Instead of sending her a link going "check this out" what was a problem or discussion that occurred at the last meeting? Find information about it on here and print out the article for her. Give it to her as a "I know this was mentioned and I understand the frustration and found this article on the PTO Today site. Thought it might be helpful so I printed it for you. You may wish to check it out at some point."
With the grant... once again present it as a solution. "At the last meeting it was discussed how to get a front painted sign for the school. I thought this might be a solution, would it be all right for me to pursue this for the PTA?"
If you want to suggest a family night find the details and another parent who is willing to step up and help with it, than ask for the PTA to support it, with you leading the charge on it. If they say no, respect that at this time, but find out why they are saying no and what can be done to change that to a yes in the future.
Basically.... don't present more "options" for someone else to do. As a PTO President NOTHING is more frustrating to me than to have people present ideas that they think "are awesome and wouldn't take much to do" and yet those same people are the ones who aren't willing to step forward and take it on. My standard response to those people are "You're right that sounds wonderful! After you sort out a few more of the details let me know... I'm sure the board would be glad to help you with XYZ."
There is a fine line between criticizing/complaining vs. helping/doing. When it is approached as helping/doing on their behalf people are more open to things. And, if they aren't, you will at least know where they stand and that you tried!
What is the best way to get my feet wet with the PTA (still referred to as such at my child's school)? For example, I noted that no one else from my child's school is on this site, and I am very impressed at the site in the short time that I have been using it. Would it be to forward to suggest it to the newly elected President? Another example of something I wanted to share with her, but am unsure of, is the opportunity to submit an application for the Lowe's Toolbox for Education.
I have been to one foundation meeting and one PTA meeting thus far, and both times not really impressed by the lack of seeking parent involvement, nor have I seen any really information come home, other than the "donation" and "registration" envelopes. I like the ideas you have about increasing family involvement and would like to see some of those ideas implemented. I think now, the beginning of the school year, is the time to captivate the masses. I know I should sit back and see how things unfold, but at this pace, it's killing me.
