I have been very active at my children's school, especially in the area of fundraising. I attend the monthly meeting, every month because i feel it's important to stay informed about what's going on in my children's school and learn about ways that I can help. I recently submitted my name as a self-nomination for the position of vice-president. This is the first year that our Parent group has had a nominating committee in place. Typically, the Executive Board positions have been filled by the leader at the time personally selecting who they want to work with the following year, rather than making it a truly open process for interested parents to volunteer to participate. Well, keeping with their tradition, they asked people to fill the open positions for next year anyway. When I submitted my self-nomination I was told, "Well, we already have people interested in each of the open positions." I didn't back down and kindly commented that I would like to be considered as well. The nominating committee has been interviewing, meeting to discuss the interested parties and determine who will be on the slate they recommend at our next meeting. It has been brought to my attention by a friend that someone in this committee is trying to persuade the other members to vote against me by telling lies about me! I am furious!! The monthly meetings are very poorly attended (other than by myself, the board members, and maybe one or two different people each month), there is a common perception among parents that this board and all past as well, are too cliquish, unwelcoming, and make it known that THEY are in charge. I am passionate at working to help change this perception and make our parent group one that welcomes ALL parents and their input, as we should all be working towards the same common goal and for the benefit of our school!! This is very frustrating for me, as I give so much of myself to the school already. I don't believe board positions should be filled by people who've had to be talked into serving, but rather to those who truly want them. And.... if there are truly more than one people interested in the same position, then it should go to a vote of the membership; not be chosen by a group of just 5 women who themselves don't go to the meetings either!
I needed to vent. Any feedback or suggestions are welcome? Anyone else experience issues similar??
~ a Frustrated Volunteer
