When we were researching changing we did come to the pretty clear conclusion that the PTA was more liberal than our group was comfortable with. I never saw anything on pro-choice stuff, but here's an example of an article on the homosexual lifestyle type thing. (I hope this address works). www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=4163

There were people in our group that were fine with this and some that weren't. We decided that there was no need to even be connected to that because it was so far away from what our group is all about. That's why we left the PTA. Michelle, you are right that we could have gone and tried to change the view one way or the other, but no matter which way the view would have gone, we would have had people at our group mad. It wasn't worth it.

Blue67ccm- Are you serious????

Funny, in all the years I worked with PTA, I never once was asked to vote on supporting abortion rights, gay rights, and other issues that the National PTA vehemently supports and lobbies, so the idea that all lobbying from the PTA is grass roots is ludicrous.

Are you serious that you actually believe that the National PTA has any position on abortion or gay rights??? PTA has no position one way or the other on abortion. That's an interesting little lie that has been circulating recently. Secondly, we do not have a position on gay rights either. There is one PTA unit in Washington state that calls themselves Gay and Lesbian PTA (there was nothing in the bylaws,rules to prevent it but has since been addressed and will be the only one of it's kind) However, since PTA is open to everyone, there is no reason to generate a group with any name other than it's geographical connection. These are the kinds of lies that run rampant and I can't believe that in all your years in the PTA, you never actually asked to review the resolutions. (I understand that some states, at a glance have appeared to support these items, but when you research the detail of the activity, you see that that is NOT what was done)even worse, that you would put these lies on any message board to perpetuate.
So, being informed and asking questions and knowing that National PTA works ONLY as it pertains to children. NO, it doesn't bother me in the least bit to be involved with such an organization. As for the boos at convention, perhaps they were in relation to the type of comments that some PTO supporters make to defame PTA like, oh I don't know, supporting abortion and gay rights.
I've seen your comments in other sections regarding PTA's political views but had no idea you were actually referencing! Since I've participated in the voting at the conventions, I can only assume that you did not attend if you were never asked to vote. Is it safe to assume also that you have never written a resolution to be submitted at convention either?
We coexist peacefully here with PTOs and have attended at least two functions together this year. Many of my PTAs are partnered with PTOs (something that PTA initiated) I can only assume that you are the one (I do not include PTOs but rather yourself in particular) that do not want to work with us. That could explain the reaction of not wanting to work with you.


Links to sites- unless PTOtoday is a sponsor, I don't think that they include for profit websites as links. (I could be wrong)

Sorry---one more point. There's a link at this site to the PTA website. Find a link to PTOToday.com at the PTA site.....

Yeah, right!

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Interestingly enough, Michelle, the very article that started this whole string itself tells us what we all need to know about the real feelings the National PTA has concerning PTO's.

First, they boo a speaker who mistakenly said, "PTO", then they tell PTO's to "...have a nice life." Doesn't sound like a group willing to "work together to benefit all children" to me.

Funny, in all the years I worked with PTA, I never once was asked to vote on supporting abortion rights, gay rights, and other issues that the National PTA vehemently supports and lobbies, so the idea that all lobbying from the PTA is grass roots is ludicrous.

I'm sorry you don't see that, indeed, at the National level, there is a definite agenda, and that it is not inclusive, and it is not looking out for the interests of all children. Having said that, if their views don't bother you, stay with PTA. In America, that's your choice. But you see, the PTA would rather parents like me wouldn't have the choice of a PTO.

Actually, I can understand some of Michelle's viewpoint. PTO Today is wonderful resource for all parent groups:

If you’re a school parent group leader – no matter the acronym – then this is your site for parent involvement insight, resources and community.

PTO Today is commercial entity, so while it isn't going to be purely neutral on the subject, I think the staff do a good job of trying to present fair information in most areas.

Throughout the site, we all share information and the vast majority of our issues and concerns are similar. But the PTO vs PTA thread, as valuable as it is, can be a bit disheartening at times when members get a little too gung ho on the 'us versus' them mentality.

We see areas of controversy in other forum areas, but sometimes the bashing one side or another in this thread is more concentrated and tends to come across as pretty negative.

The good news is, we can always dive back into the other subject areas to restore our faith in goodwill and sharing!

Michelle -

I can't say that I'm upset that our site comes up first in the search engines. I'll have to send my kudos to our webmaster.

I'm really not sure of your point on this and I'm going to try mightily not to get dragged into the same back-and-forths that we had early in the Fall. I'd appreciate if you'll make the same efforts. For someone who doesn't like this topic and wishes it didn't exist, you sure do join in the conversation quite a bit.

When the PTA voice was the only voice on the topic, PTA folks loved to talk about it. Now that very popular alternative points of view have a platform, PTA folks wish no one would talk about it. Coincidental, no?

Tim