Don't worry about it, IMP. Not happening. I'm as addicted to these boards as anyone. I really believe this forum is perhaps the best tool we offer. It's not going anywhere.

Tim

Yes, the forums will be free and open to everyone.

NPN member groups will be getting some new/more services. Folks that aren't NPN members will still be getting the same great stuff as always(free magazine to every K-8 in the country, forums, etc.).

Tim

Good stuff, KC -

Trust me when I tell you that I don't want Shirley's job. I was at convention two weeks ago, and I know she has a very difficult job and she seems to do it very well. That said, I agree that some will say the National PTO Network is a direct affront to the PTA. Nothing we can do about that impression, I suppose.

The fact is that before we even started PTO Today, more than 75% of parent groups were already independent PTOs. We had nothing to do with that. However, we've heard repeatedly from groups that would like some group-like benefits -- but for whatever reason (usually price, sometimes politics, sometimes other) -- didn't think the PTA was for them. The NPN will provide just that.

The differences between NPN membership and PTA membership? Many. 1. Independence. NPN groups will not be a part of a national member organization. There are no NPN rules to follow. No mandated NPN group bylaws. No NPN policy positions or political statements. The NPN will be more AAA than PTA. I belong to AAA (for the benefits) but I drive any way I like. 2. Price. NPN membership will cost $179 per group (and for a limited time, it will $99 per group). The average PTA unit pays nearly $1000 per group. 3. Ease of use. Want to take advantage of the NPN? Send a check (or pay by cc) and you've got access to all the benefits. Don't want to renew? Don't send another check. I don't think you'll ever see a post on our forum entitled: "Want to leave the NPN but they won't let us!!!"

What we've/I've been saying for years is that groups should look at what resources they want/use and then determine if PTA is a good value. For some groups (particularly those that want to be a part of a national political voice), PTA can be a great option. Until now, the only other option was: nothing. It was "PTA" or "all on our own."

Now there's a middle option for groups who decide PTA (again, for whatever reason) is not for them but who still desire some group-like services.

Even with NPN, I still say groups should explore what services they will take advantage of before making the (albeit much less expensive) investment.

Hope that helps. Happy to continue the conversation. I'll be on vacation next week, but I'm sure I can find a computer somewhere to check on how things are going around here.

Tim