I can tell you melisa that the folks who come never regret it. We hear that idea ("we just can't spend the kids' money on *that*") a good deal. And I understand the thinking, but the best groups go beyond that thinking and realize that training leaders and investing in building the group is the best way to provide the most for your school and your kids in the long-term.
I can't cover your travel (and I know that might be a deal-breaker), but if you and another from your group come down and *don't* feel like you got every penny's worth from your trip and more -- I'll personally refund the cost of your conference passes. The conferences are just that good.
Would love to see you. If not (and in the meantime), we'll look forward to helping you out here.
I would love to go. We have not gone to anything like that because we work so hard to get the small amount of money for our school, that we can't stomach the thought of spending money on that, and I dont think people would pay for it on their own...I wish something was closer!!
Thanks Melisa
Originally posted by <melisa>: I think it is not right to make them pay to be apart of the parent teacher group of the school they work at. Same with Parents. I think if you have a child at the school, you should automatically be a part of the parent teacher group. I must be in the minority??
No -- you'd be in the majority. Nationwide, more groups don't require dues to vote/participate than do. I'm with you.
If you can get a couple of leaders down to our San Ramon conference (www.ptotoday.com/conference
) I know we help you kick-start your group (whether it remains PTA or goes PTO).
Tim, I am in Washington State. I have met the PTA rep and she actually changed my thinking about about PTA's, I disagreed with much of what she said. Several of us have been wanting some sort of change for a while now. I really disagree with the political backing of the PTA. But I am not against PTA, I am just not for it. I am for a parent teacher group of some sort. We have a super low membership at our school and get lower every year. Our Principal and PTA Prez, tell the teachers that if they do not become a member themselves they wont get PTA backing. I totally disagree with that. Teachers put in so very much of their own money into teaching, that I think it is not right to make them pay to be apart of the parent teacher group of the school they work at. Same with Parents. I think if you have a child at the school, you should automatically be a part of the parent teacher group. I must be in the minority??
Melisa
There aren't prepared materials (brochures or the like --- hmmmm, an idea...) for making the PTO case, other than printing off key sections of this site. But as you can likely tell those weren't prepared as clean hand-outs or the like.
What state are you in?
It seems to me like you're (your group, not necessarily you) jumping the gun a bit going right from "let's consider a switch" right to "let's have the PTA rep in and make our decision." Frankly, at that pace, the PTA rep -- who's probably made the presentation and answered the objections dozens of times -- is at a strong advantage over you. Better in my opinion for you to communicate with and educate (or be educated -- maybe your mind will change) the key leaders of your group behind the scenes. Feel people out. Share some of the learning you've been doing. Photocopy an article or two. And then see where the general consensus stands. If strongly pro going PTO, then start the process. If strongly stay-PTA, then don't bother, don't create the hubbub.
Might be too late for that advice, but....
Good luck. Stick around here and we'll help you through it.
Hi Tim, I am pretty new to this site. I have been reading a ton about PTO. I brought up to the board last month about switching to PTO (we currently are PTA) Yes I opened up a big can of worms. I brought it up because we are getting ready to look for new board members for next year, since several are leaving to go on to Jr. High, and a new board member wants to meet to nominate a nomination committee to nominate nominees to be nominated. OK I know (now) that is the PTA bylaws, but, I said "am I crazy or is this just stupid." I don't want to waste my precious time away from my family to have a meeting on this. In the end, anyone who wants to be on the ballot...can! (we are very split board, half are very strict on bylaws and power hungry. and the other half is just here to get things done.) So here I am, having now to present a case for becoming a PTO. I have read allot and agree with it totally (PTO) I wanted to know is there any printed material I can get or purchase to present to the board. They are preparing to have a local PTA rep there to challenge me. UGH! Is there info about bringing someone who is PTO savvy to help me with this?
Thank you, and I appreciate any advice.
Melisa
