We did away with "membership" and have replaced it with a "privilege" card. For $5 they can purchase a card which allows them into the many different events that the PTO holds for free or at a discounted rate.(Swim night, Sock Hop, Movie night, etc.) We don't charge a lot for these events as it is (just enough to cover costs) but most people seem receptive to the Privilege card idea. It's been good for us.

“I am a member of the rabble in good standing”

I'm not a big fan of membership fees or rewarding students for a parent's decision but:

Membership Fees - They do seem to be a Nitrous shot to the fundraiser so if it works for your team then great! But maybe there is a way to include parents who can't or won't pay. Perhaps they could pledge volunteer hours or in-kind donations?

Student Incentive - I believe that students with involved parents are already rewarded. I would hate to make any child feel bad or excluded based on a decision that they personally have no control over. How about a school wide celebration if membership goals are reached? A popsicle day if it's hot outside, extra recess time or a special assembly (story teller, magician, whatever)?

[ 08-09-2006, 12:02 AM: Message edited by: CrewChief ]

Membership Levels
Bronze $5 plus additional $15
Silver $5 plus additional $25
Gold $5 plus additional $45

We charge dues, but even a "Membership Drive" without dues could be used to just get the word out that everyone can be a member

I don't know if this counts as a "membership drive" since we don't charge dues, but at our Open House the night before school (which has already started for us) I had a membership/ volunteer form available that I got from someone here on the boards. We had never done that before, and I made kind of a big thing about making sure everyone had filled out their "membership" form. It went over great and people seemed really pleased to be asked to join. We already have far more volunteers signed up this year than we did last year.

As for attendance, well tomorrow night is our first meeting and my first time as pres, so we'll see about attendance. But I sent out backpack reminders, emails to everyone whose address I have, and the board members and room parents called every family we have a number for to remind them of the meeting and invite them to attend. I know of at least a handful of parents who will be there, and last year we only had board members and maybe one other parent at best. I think being enthusiastic, positive, and inclusive of everyone is going to be a big key for us in increasing prental involvement this year.

I hate membership drives. Why, if you are a PTO do you do it????!!!! Use your fundraiser as a means to raise money for your budget, not membership! Let everyone be a part of your PTO.