Well I'm one of the new presidents for our PTO this year. We tried the nominations form and out of almost 700 students I got back 4 forms, one of course was mine 2 others were current board members and the other was one of my room parents that I had recruited to fill my position I held this year. So I went to the phone, called a couple of people and got them calling people they maybe new, I also asked if they new any incoming Kindergarten parents that may be interested. Before I did this I needed 6 positions filled b/w exec. board & committee chairs. Now I only need 2 committe chairs filled. So I've decided that personal recruiting works a lot better than sending out a nominations letter. I think next year we'll try a nominating committee made up of some current board members. Good Luck in your quest.

Well I decided to run again. It's my last chance to do this. The reason I decided to go ahead and do it is because a couple of mom's say they will help me. I think they will. Perhaps if you approach a couple of people that make a good team you could talk them into running the group.

Send out notes when you are ready for your election telling what each person does. I am sure many have the wrong idea of what is expected and feel they couldn't do it, even though they could.

I don;t think there is ANY parent organization (PTA or PTO) that does not share the same frustration. I have been every position on the executive board- including President and acting President, V.P. Secretary and Treasurer plus a myriad of committees. It always seems like the same people do the lion's share of volunteering.
And it's not because they WANT to do all of the work- no one else shows up or volunteers.
Despite this we are often seen as "cliqy (sp?)" or "over-dedicated" and people say they don't want to be like us. The typical Catch-22.
We solved this a couple of ways-
first we had a presence at our Kindergarten Screening- and asked each new parent entering the school to volunteer. Many were "afraid" but we did get some new parents involved.
Next- at the end of the year- we asked the teachers to give us the names of the 3 "most active" volunteers in their class. We then contacted them and personally asked them to be a part of our board (either as a committeee chair or member to get their feet wet). Once we got them to a meeting- we made it fun, made a point of including them in everything- and they have grown attached to the group. We now have them asking the other parents in their children's class to join us. We never turn down anybody that is interested (at all) , we find something for them to do.
I sympathize with your frustration. You can not do it all yourself. I myself will be leaving my school this year and moving on to middle school. at this point we do not have a real committment for a president- but I know that the PTA is too valuable at my school, and my principal will not let it die. I encourage you to talk with your principal- maybe they can help.
Good luck!

mom2m&a,
Here in Califronia also trying to get parents of 515 students ( ya'd think out of a possible 1000 plus parents, more than only 6 or so actually help.

I'd try a flyer with some info on needing board members (if it was October I'd do a gravestone.. then again, maybe that will get their attention)

Maybe a Dads and Donuts, that's how I've gotten more fathers, like myself involved (for some reason some men need an invitation, ie. flyer to attend, specifically addressed to fathers or labor intensive projects..

Me I just wanna rule LAUSD, then California, the USA, then the World) :cool:

Dont know where your schools located but I'm in Northridge,CA let me know if there's anything I can help with . [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 04-21-2005, 03:23 PM: Message edited by: Rockne ]

Well depending upon your relationship with the school staff, I would suggest that you ask the teachers for support. Ask if they could visit with parents who are there every day. Avoid using any titles such as PTO President. People seem afraid of the title and have misconceptions of what that position does. Just start out with stating that you need someone to update the bulletin board on a regular basis, or you need someone to type the minutes from the meetings or you need someone to assist you with the next big event. Try to find a way to ease people into it.

There IS "always someone"! At our election meeting, I went into it afraid no one would run for any of the positions... instead, we now have a board of 13 eager parents. Eventually, someone will step up to the plate.

Good luck!