Interesting. I think the details of it would be a lot harder than it sounds in these quick sentences. But.... interesting.
There remains a fundamental difference between PTO Today and PTA on this. Boiled down, PTO Today doesn't have a preference for PTOs over PTAs or PTAs over PTAs. We serve all groups, as evidenced by our subscriber list and the attendees at our conferences, etc. So I don't really seeing us making a huge effort to "bring people over" or the like.
PTA, on the other hand, does have a huge incentive to recruit/keep groups. Its very survival relies on that, as more than 80% of National PTA's $$ comes from dues.
As you can tell, we do get a ton (you don't even see the daily emails) of requests for help from PTAs looking to go to PTO. Maybe we can try and develop some better tools to help groups present both sides at their meetings. I agree that the article isn't really ideal for passing out or using as a group educational tool.
Yes, Tim, what about a PTO leaders' group that could function as support to schools deciding which type of group suits them best?
I agree with Blue. While I will ever favor independence over interdependence, I still think there needs to be balance, and a certain level of networking could provide it.
In reply to Tim, just wondering, why couldn't there be a network of PTO leaders, past and present, passionate about PTO, willing to speak for schools who are grappling with the issue of which way to go?
At the risk of sounding strange, sometimes I think PTO's are too independent, and could benefit from more networking and publicity.
I've always felt beholden to the Texas PTA as when we went through our emergency reorganization a few years ago, there were just so few resources available. (PTO Today was developing, but relatively new and offering only the magazine and forum back then.)
I think the reason we did so well was because we bought PTA workbooks. They were invaluable for a startup group. (Why they generously sold them to non-PTA, I don't know - and for a whopping $6 each. But I'm grateful.)
The picture has changed with more being offered by PTO Today, more networking going on, and more information online every day. As I said, if I were starting at the beginning of a group, I'd probably choose PTO. To me it just boils down to how much independence your group wants and if you have officers willing to do the work and make the commitment. If you don't, you may need a structured solution like PTA. If you don't want the extra red tape and layers of accountabilty, PTO is the answer. Even with the updated figures, money alone wouldn't be the decisive factor for me.
I could never live in CA. Especially the south since my mother-in-law lives there! (of course, if she moved here, I might reconsider:) )
Drop me an e-mail if you ever make it into our burg. Although I would recommend Sparks over Reno... It's a far more family oriented little city!
Thanks for your kind words. I can see that you value what's most important.
