I am confused...is sending in due money really considered "lobbying", is that how they are considered to care so much?? Most PTA"s I know send in their due money because they HAVE to, how many would still send it in if they had a CHOICE?? I bet a majority would choose not to, the other thing I wonder is how many groups are PTA because their principal or district says that they can't be PTO?? They don't want to deal with bylaws and all the other stuff so it is easier to stay umbrella under the PTA than do a little extra work to form a tax exempt group? If the parents had the choice what would they choose...it would be nice to know the truth!

[QUOTEI know all about the lobbying and all that yada yada but I have to ask what the majority of PTA groups are actually involved in that level of work besides sending in their due money? Are there actual numbers of how many PTA's lobby on the national level? Truth is it is probably a very small percentage...in my district alone there once was four PTA's and NONE of them did anything at the national level. Yes thier choice but how many make that choice?
[/QUOTE
If those units paid dues to National PTA they ALL[/ lobbied on the national level.
Why do so many posts become anti-PTA ??
The truth is wether "A" "O" or other, every group is in it for the children!
Some groups decide to concentrate their efforts on their local school, some see the value in joining a National organization to have a voice in the system that dictates what and how our children learn. This is a decision that should be made by each group.
Tim will back me up in this; there are lots of really good PTA's and PTO's out there! They all do exceptional work for the children! When parents are involved, children do better.

Well said. PTO's bust their tails for their schools, teachers, & children. We just happen to do it at a local level. I'd rather see the hard earned money that was raised stay in my school for the children. WE ARE ALL IN IT FOR THE CHILDREN. I believe if these PTAs were orginally PTOs then there wouldn't be a "witch" session about it. PTA/PTO it all depends on what's the right choice for your group.

[ 02-09-2006, 06:59 AM: Message edited by: Renee S ]

I have been a register user of this forum for almost three years but for my own "protection" from this topic I developed another name!
I get so tired hearing that PTA groups are so much better than PTO's...I know all about the lobbying and all that yada yada but I have to ask what the majority of PTA groups are actually involved in that level of work besides sending in their due money? Are there actual numbers of how many PTA's lobby on the national level? Truth is it is probably a very small percentage...in my district alone there once was four PTA's and NONE of them did anything at the national level. Yes thier choice but how many make that choice?

I also have to ask that if a parent group isn't effective on their own local level yet is sending in hundreds of dollars is dues does that still mean they are better than a PTO? A parent group's main goal should be making a difference in their own school, that is where it should start...yeah I hear all the PTA'ers out there saying yeah but that is where it ends for PTO's. That isn't true, just because we don't send hundreds of local money into a national organization doesn't mean we don't lobby for education or our child's rights. Just because we don't have a "organized" national PTO doesn't make our work less important than yours, I think sometimes the PTA's worse enemy is their own members, think about it you are so quick to say that the 86,000.00 is so great and that this sight did nothing? The forum was filled with schools sharing info on what they were doing, how to get in touch with different schools down there and what they needed.

The negativity that hits this forum when someone toots the PTA is justified in that you want us to embrace your work yet you want us PTo'ers to say we are less important? We won't do that and if that bothers you then maybe you need to relook at your focus? What exactly is your groups focus??saying how great the PTA is or doing great work for your child's school, it is sad that you consider a PTO group not important because we aren't a part of your "elite" group. When in reality our group has lobbied for a new district parent involvement policy, a district wide volunteer program that has become a model for schools all around our state? But we aren't important and neither is our work, perhaps it is time that you look at what you are saying and ask yourself what are you doing to make a difference.

I know I will get comments about this but that is okay, I am tired, sick and pissed off that it is a continue topic that PTO's don't care. the amount of work that we do is just as important as your work, the attitude that comes from so many PTA's on this site is a reality on why so many groups are leaving the PTA. I think that I am probablt talking for alot of PTO groups out there, get a reality check and realize that the important thing is making a difference not about competition.

Originally posted by Serendipity:
I find the whole idea of tooting your own horn to tout out about how much more you gave in the face of a national tragedy then other organizations just vile.

As Dick Vitale would say,"That's marketing, Baby !!!! The PTPers and PTAers and PTOers, should all toot their horns a little bit."

But I do agree it shouldn't turn into a, "mine is bigger than... yours....."

That is all that matters. :cool:

[ 02-08-2006, 06:11 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

I find the whole idea of tooting your own horn to tout out about how much more you gave in the face of a national tragedy then other organizations just vile. All groups no matter what moniker they are under raised funds and contributed to this cause. Who cares how it was done. Whether it was organized for you or you organized it yourself. The bottom line is people did it and pulled together to help fellow Americans in need. That is all that matters.