Our board always has two meeting during the summer to start planning those things that come right at the beginning of the year. If you get people to sign up for positions now, have a least one meeting during the summer to make plans, clarify expectations, and exchange information. That should solidify those volunteers in their positions.
Congrats on your presidency next year. I always say that the only way to effect change is from within.
Don't be afraid of driving people away. Too much information is better than not enough. Remember too that the beginning of the school year parent's are deluged with forms, especially if parent's have kids in multiple schools. Get them now, while the year is winding down AND again in the fall.
You need to follow your instincts. When people sign up, add the personal touch by calling them, introduce yourself and sell the PTO with your enthusiasm and appreciation. That kind of stuff goes a long way in currying favor. Get everyone's e-mail address as well and have virtual meetings. This is very useful, especially when you need to coordinate big events like an auction or craft fair. The important part of starting new committees is to be very clear about what the expectations are. We had 2 teachers take on our school directory this year. They were dumbfounded by the amount of work required and aftermath was messy. Get to know your volunteer's strengths. Who is organized, who is a leader, who just wants to come to school, make copies and go home. That is the best way to be successful.
I havent posted in awhile, but I hope some of you remember me--I was the one who had so many problems with our president. Well, at last nights meeting I became the new president for next year. None of the board is returning except the treasurer (the others are switching schools--and not because of me lol).
I expressed the opinion last night that there was no point in having a PTO if the only people partcipating are me, the treas, and the principal. We simply cant do it all, and we had lots of trouble getting volunteers this year.
I had the idea of sending out forms with job descriptions of positions we have open in our registration packets, which go out next week. I wanted to add a whole slew of things, like hospitality, fundraising, and committees we've never had in the past in the hopes of getting a lot of people to sign up. Well, the principal didnt like this idea because she said ppl will sign up in May and then have a reason why they can't in August. She wants to do this when school starts. I said that if we want to do some of the big events we had talked about for next year, we need to start now--like a craft fair and silent auction. The teacher rep backed me up. So I suggested sending out sign up forms now and at the beginning of the year. What harm does it do?
Any thoughts on this?? I have to get my form to her by tomorrow so I would appreciate speedy replies! I have come up with 10 committees of various degrees of participation.
I am excited to be the president, and yet don't want to be overly enthusiastic and drive ppl away so any advice would be appreciated. I am ready this website like mad!!
