Hmmmmm.... Haven't counted in a while, but I'd wager that 50% of state PTA web sites have completely one-sided PTO v PTA explanations.
When I came online to find out why there was this anger, this hostility about PTA and I typed in the search PTO vs PTA, I got this website and a large number of other sites that quote it. It was the first to come up in the search engine with only two state PTA sites listed. VA and OR. On our NV website, it isn't addressed. Whether or not other states address it isn't the issue. They weren't easily found when I went looking. The other important point is the FACT is that when I asked about it, I was told exactly that. Not heresay, but direct from their mouths.
[ 12-14-2003, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: Michelle B ]
Another thing that's important to note that I never would have found the PTA vs. PTO option had it not been for this website. When I have asked our State and National board to address it, I have been told that we choose to take the high road and focus on the benefits of PTA without addressing the differences.
Hmmmmm.... Haven't counted in a while, but I'd wager that 50% of state PTA web sites have completely one-sided PTO v PTA explanations. Until this site and this forum came into being, there was not a singe site explaining the benefits of being a PTO and the great work done by PTOs.
At this point in being a member of this forum, I'd would rather that the PTA vs PTO discussion forum didn't even exist. There are so many other useful tools here that all this forum does is create anger and hostility among the members and pits one against the other. If someone really wants to know which is best for them, they should talk to both sides, not getting information from one source.
Agreed. I like to think that this site provides a balanced look at the the issue (providing you this forum for your positive feelings about PTA, for example). But -- we do encourage folks to look at the PTA offerings and prices. We even link to the PTA site in our PTA v PTO explanation, encouraging folks to do just that. I think every group would be wise to look into the issue. I think more PTAs should at least explore whether they're getting their moneys worth from affiliation. And I think PTOs should always assess whether their goals align with the PTA's and whether tehe investment in PTA membership would be a fit for them.
I understand that you have a bad taste in your mouth about PTA for whatever reason but with hundreds of resolutions it would be impossible for everyone to agree on Every One. It is also important to correct that all resolutions are member generated. It is policy to poll our membership about their opinions and views before the boards take a stand. Before anything becomes a resolution it is voted on by the membership. If resolutions appear to be going in one direction it is likely because those with opposing views do not choose to stay and fight but rather walk away. (How do you hear about the opposing views if no one is their to present it?) I know that our efforts here have worked statewide and we are working on a resolution that is county specific. We as members all have power to affect change if we make the effort. It's like not registering to vote because you don't think your vote counts. If there was ever any doubt that a few people make the difference, you really need to revisit the presidential election of 2000.
Another thing that's important to note that I never would have found the PTA vs. PTO option had it not been for this website. When I have asked our State and National board to address it, I have been told that we choose to take the high road and focus on the benefits of PTA without addressing the differences.
At this point in being a member of this forum, I'd would rather that the PTA vs PTO discussion forum didn't even exist. There are so many other useful tools here that all this forum does is create anger and hostility among the members and pits one against the other. If someone really wants to know which is best for them, they should talk to both sides, not getting information from one source.
Having been a PTA officer and now a PTO VP and Prez, I, too, have had opportunity to see both "sides".
I really enjoy the smaller, "I see the results" of our labor type of environment of the PTO.
Not to be narrow minded, but I want to effect my girls schools as well as their school district by my personal efforts. I can effect the state and country later.
Our school was the first in our county to leave PTA and go PTO. The County PTA first told us we would be excluded from all activities; then the School Board Office stepped in and said otherwise. So, yes, we co-exist, and I proudly walk in to the "PTA Presidents Meeting" with the Superintendent as the lone PTO President.
The problem I have with PTA is that they say they lobby for all children and they don't. They once did, now they are just another political lobbying group, masked as a children's advocate group. It's shameful to do that!
PTO's are the best way to help your children at your school. For exact reasons is the PTA being considered? If it's for lobbying legislatures, I'd take a good pulse of your members before becoming a PTA. An effective PTO's voice can be heard, too.
Oh, and to answer a question from one of the first posts on this thread from 3 years ago (Where were PTO's when PTA was lobbying for school lunch). They weren't needed. PTA was then a group helping all children, not derailed by leftist politicos. Those who don't agree with their tactics are many of the ones who now man the PTO's.
As I posted on your other thread on the basic issue - at the grass roots level there is not much differance between PTO and PTA both organizations have the same goals and do the same things.
But this thread when orginally posted opened some interesting doors that anyone considering on joining the PTA need to consider. The National PTA is a political organization, which often does not represent the views of the general membership. The organization does loby - whether those efforts improve education or not has long been debated. Many say it does not and many of those people have opted out of the PTA accordingly. As more and more organizations opt out for this reason the PTA takes on a look and view highly politically partisan. Having served on a state PTA board and worked with the national organization as a result, I can understand the issues but I have no remedy because not enough people that would challenge the direction of the PTA are in a position to do so. The only power people felt they had any control of was to opt out, which they then did. Some opted to remain, they fell the PTA represents their view! There being no national PTO organization representing the positions on the political side there is little or no balance to the debate, which is not to say anything has changed because there was no organization to balance to begin with.
It is often said of PTOs that they are short sighted, they care about today and not tomorrow, that only the PTA cares about tomorrow. But a single view of tomorrow is no view at all when the majority is left out of the debate on what that tomorrow will look like. (I use as proof of this the fact that nearly 75% of all PT organizations are now PTOs or something similar).
So I ask the question - is it truly a function of a PT(x) to be involved at national or state leglislation level, when in most cases the people making the decission of the position of the organization have no idea of what the membership really wants that position to be? Where they impose their position as that of the organization? An organization that at its fundemental level is NOT organized to do those things to begin with! (This is the local level).
If you answer yes to the above then you should be looking for a PTA if you have answered no then a PTO would be more to your style. In neither case though does it prevent you as an individual to make your feelings on important legislation known. Perhaps instead of attacking PTOs or PTAs we would be better served having a seperate organization concerned with educational lobbying issues that people can join or not join at the individual level, maybe even three or four such organizations each representing a different view on many issues so people can choose for themselves.
