What all of these responses seem to be saying is that people who get involved in one group also have a tendency to get involved in other groups. This civic mindedness permeates through certain types of people but not others. Can this be related to participation in other activities besides groups? Membership in civic groups is a part of "social capital". As Robert Putnam might say, "social capital refers to connections among individuals-social networks and the norms of reciprosity and trustworthiness that arise from them." My goal is to find how much civic group membership affects all aspects of civic participation and why people join civic groups.

In our group we find that the most active members(those who take the job whenever asked)are also active in other organizations. I also feel that involvement is not related to one's involvement in other organizations as much as just a person's civic mindedness. If you ask people why they participate in volunteer organizations, I doubt you will ever hear that it's related to their activities in another group. More likely you will hear comments such as those above or something related to making a difference for those less fortunate.

Same here. I don't think PTO is a catalyst for change. My parents were volunteers when I was growing up. I've modeled their behavior and am now seeing my kids follow in our footsteps.
When I was trying to recruit people as part of our nomination committee last spring, the people that turned me down often did so because they were too involved in other volunteer work.

I don't think it begins or ends with the PTO...maybe for some, but not for me. My parents were active volunteers in their church and community so my brother and I have always been taught to give. I do think when our children see us now giving to the school as volunteers they learn how important that role is in the community. :cool:

I doubt that membership makes much difference. However, I could be convinced that involved members are more involved in other civic groups.

My old school had very high PTA membership, but I don't believe that translated into higher voter turnout. However, our legislative chairs made sure the parents had access to the information necessary to be informed voters.

After being PTO president for 2 years I did join 2 other volunteer programs but I think that's just my personality. I don't think being apart of PTO had anything to do with it! Just my 2 cents!!!