Wow, I'd like to join in.

I think everyone has made good points, and I hear both sides. At our school, we DO have too many fund raisers (thanks in large part to yours truly). Every fund raiser we have has its supporters, and also its detractors. Try getting rid of one and then people will tell you how they looked forward to it each year, or thought that that one was the best idea.

It's important to recognize that not everyone is on the same schedule or has the same interests. That's why we offer a big variety of events to choose from, and stress that parents can participate when and where they want. But please... allow others to contribute how they would like and not nix it because it is not of interest to you.

The same goes for the participants. We appreciate every parent who reads a flyer, sends in a box top, or writes a check for $5. Every parent contributes by supporting our efforts, not just by attending meetings. Ultimately, meetings will be attended by those who WANT to be there (Are you vocal? Do you like to express an opinion? Do you have a better idea?) That's not for everyone.

The most supportive parents I've found express it by having a good attitude and continuing to contriubute what they can. In the end, everyone benefits. Disparaging others efforts is never productive.

(Please excuse any lecture. That's the Mediator in me.)

PS Our school is located by Cape Canaveral, with the largest cruise passenger volume in Florida. What a great idea! I know 10 people who went on a cruise in the last two weeks!

Tim,

I'll take your bump and raise you one!!

I am going to play devil's advocate here. You know I love all of you (especially JBH!!!), but there is a real division between those you can be at school quite a bit of time and those who's work will not allow it.

I have a LOT of friends who do not understand my passion for PTO and who do feel that it is clique-ish. They feel it is the same people "taking over everything". I have been a member of our PTO for 25 years(I am not THAT old)and have seen it go up and down. I think when parents feel the most frustrated is when they are perceived as not caring because they are not at every meeting and they are not excited about every fundraiser.

I do feel that some PTOs over do the fundraising. My friend's PTO already has 6 planned for the year. She is burned out and school has not even started.

Not every working parent has a job that they can come at lunch. A lot work 8-5 and struggle to make ends meet. They are the PTO also and they deserve to have their needs met.

I am very passionate about meeting the needs of working parents. Most that I know appreciate the efforts of those who can do the organizing and work. They just ask that there be a little understanding for those who can't.

Now after my soapbox, we will all need a cruise.

P.S. I am a single working mom and I was PTO president last-year. The best thing I did for the PTO was to train this year's president so that she can train next year's president, etc.

[ 08-14-2003, 04:36 PM: Message edited by: PottsvilleMom ]

bump

Thank you, Tim! Good points from luvmikids and IMovePeople (don't delete a thing!). JHB and mykidsmom, here are some grapes for both of you!

Honestly, we all know people are busy, and PTOs don't expect everyone to be involved in every fundraiser! That being said, my VP (and we're heading into our 4th year of this!) is one of the busiest people I know. She has 4 children (senior, sophomore, 3rd grader and 2 year old), is taking classes at a "local" (55 miles away) university to become a teacher, subs for the district, works on call at a local casino during the school year and 30 - 40 hours a week there during the summer. Yet she still manages to find time for her children's activities and to put lots of hours into PTO work! I wish more people understood the importance of being involved in their child's school. Even one hour can mean so much to a child, and it is time well spent! [img]tongue.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img]

I couldn't resist.....
JHB- your grapes...seedless and washed as you like and I am forming the committee right now for your fanning (I can't handle the feathers, allergies!)

Hey Tim, thanks for responding.....

A friend gave me an interesting formula that he uses on people when they tell him they have no time to volunteer--
There are 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, you work an average of 40 hours a week, sleep 56 hours or so a week, that leaves 72 hours in one week......wouldn't you want to spend a couple helping your children at school?
I don't really have time to be doing all that I do BUT I made the time and found the time.......and feel it was and is time well spent!
[img]smile.gif[/img] [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 06-09-2002: Message edited by: mykidsmom ]</p>

WHAT! Who says PTO's not a religion? I rather thought it was and that the Forum was the modern Mount Olympus where all we PTO gods and goddesses come to hang out. Next you'll be telling me we don't have special powers and it's through sheer work and determination that things get accomplished.

Okay, now that I've dispensed some of my goddess like wisdom, I'm ready to have someone fan me and feed me some grapes...

[ 06-08-2002: Message edited by: JHB ]</p>