I think one thing we are forgetting is that each year we ALL get one important thing: Kindergarten Parents. They don't know about perks. They only know they want to help. When correctly cultivated, these parents are a huge work force and usually are willing to do anything to help. Spend some quality time 'corraling' these parents and teach them right. Really go after the ones who ARE in it for the right reasons. Keep an open mind though. And when a perk does come up, like picture day for example, spread the perk around and explain that everyone should get a turn.
Good Luck!

I may be coming in late in this topic but there are a few perks that can be mentioned, and don't cost a thing.
1. I get a heads up on upcoming events, and can "clear" my schedule months in advance, if needed.
2. Our school assemblies are not open to parents, but as a PTO board member I go to "report" on them and take photos.
3. The staff knows me, and therefor knows my kids. They know what is "normal" and "abnormal" behavior with them.
4. I get to know the staff, and feel I can have honest and open discussions with them.
5. I see the pride on my son's face, and hear it in his voice when, when he sees me in the hall.
6. I get to know the kids in the school, the good, "bad", shy, misunderstood. The ones I want my kids to play with. The ones I would keep close tabs on.
7. An emense feeling of accomplishment and joy when I realize that I do make a difference, not only in my children's lives, but their friends, and the children that will attend our school someday.
8. Will my kids get "the best" teacher? I don't know, but so far my son has gotten "the best" for him. (I do not make any requests and I purposely avoid knowing what each teacher's reputation is, because so often it is wrong)

Am I on a soapbox? No, I don't think so because I could also list the pitfalls that go along with these and other perks. The beds aren't always made before lunch, laundry sometimes piles up, my daughter doesn't like my "meetings", I don't sleep the month before school starts because I'm stressing over what I "need" (in my own mind) and want to get done, I don't like stepping on other peoples toes...

I'm sure you all have the idea and could add to this.

Getting into the minds of volunteers and trying to inspire them to continue is a tricky thing. I was surprized to hear one parent say that half the reason she didn't volunteer more was because she didn't think she'd get enough recognition for her effort. I wouldn't have thought of that as a reason not to volunteer. Maybe I need to go reread "How to Win Freinds and Influence people."

I think you have a point; if you can't attract people for the usual reasons, then you have find a way to attract them because you will need them.

Oh yeah, our flower sale is cash and carry. Not a lot of volunteer time involved (not like our big events) although alot of time has gone into coordinating the event.

I re-read some of the posts. SUPER ideas.

Thank you all for responding and listening to both sides of the story.

Oh, I completely agree with the camp thing. It was an idea--and Nancy pointed out some excellent points that I didn't see. I think we agree on that.

The teacher thing was more in appreciation last year only because they do alot for the kids, both inside and outside. Because the PTO was able to fulfill SO many requests this year, the teachers weren't included. They fully supported us getting the flowers at cost last night at the meeting. I think after all was said and done at our meeting last night, everyone knew that nothing was meant to be taken away from the fundraiser, but just giving a token of appreciation. Most of us weren't even going to take advantage of it (not that it even matters).

I also agree about the volunteer situation and not providing too big an incentive. In some cases, if you incent something little (and I agree it should be just a small token) then you get back 100 times that. That's how I got involved in the PTO. Our principal (who is WONDERFUL) and teachers (who are also WONDERFUL) kept telling me how appreciative they were of the SMALLEST things.

Anyhow--we're lucky. Our teachers are a super bunch and so are our parents. I am glad to be a part of the PTO and am very glad to have this resource.

We learn something every day from each other.

I just re-read my post...lol... OMG! Did I just take both sides? I did, I did!!! LMBO...