Diff and CrewChief, as always, tell it like it is. I hear what you are saying, that you have a system that works, but you really need to look at things from the outside.

If all you are right now is a small group of friends making things happen, that's great!, but it also can easily appear as though your group is a clique'. Having the Bylaws, elections, meetings, agendas, budgets, a fundraising chairperson, a Secretary, meeting minutes, voting on various decisions, a mission staement, a yearly calendar, etc.; will make those parents who are thinking of getting involved more likely to do so...

All of the amazing work that you are presently getting done will still be possible, and liekly even more. Sure it may take a bit of time at the beginning, but once these things are done it will become second nature. At the same time I understand from your post that you already have people doing certain things. Not sure if you have an official "President" or an official "Secretary", but if not I would recommend that you actually hold an election and promote it. More than likely, with the tight group that you already have, the one that is presently performing those duties will "get the job". But by having the offical, promoted election proceess it will prevent the negative thoughts of your group that we often read about on these very message boards.

Lastly you mention that "speaking with several of the parents many don't want the formality of a board or elected offices", and I have to ask why? What is their, and your, reason for not wanting things to be a bit more official? In many ways, not being more organizaed is unfaor to the school community, the staff and to the students. It may be a few years away, but what's going to happen when you all move on? If your group is more officla you'll likely get new blood, which will be the future of your organization.

I do respect what your group is presently accomplishing, but just think about how much more you can do by becoming more structured.

Good luck,
PresidentJim

d, as ever, puts things so well and I agree with everything she says.

A few other reasons for a more formal structure:

~ While things look good from the inside, those looking from the outside in might feel excluded. If the same few people are the ones just pitching in, it can create a clique image. As open and friendly as you may feel, it can be very intimidating for outsiders to try to step into the group.

~ If you're raising funds, the people (your parents and staff) should have some input. They should see that spending decisions follow a formal (read fair) process.

~ While you may be accomplishing a tremendous amount of work for a small, informal group, imagine what you could do if you had some structure and support from a wider membership base!

You don't have to go crazy with Robert's Rules and super formal meetings, but a structure that shows your group to be organized and welcoming will do wonders for your whole school.

Well--where do you draw the line between chaos and organization? That's a dramatic statement but really, if you have more that 2 or 3 folks wanting to "pitch in" you need a plan. When we started, headed by a very savy principal who called us together and suggested a parent board might be a good thing to start, we all sat together and really just got going on electing someone to be in charge with someone elses to support. At that point our organization was formed. Then we looked at what would work for us...PTO or PTA and (since I'm here) opted for PTO. At that point (6 weeks later) we started on our bylaws which our first president deserves mucho credit for. Once we had those we had some reality and went to robert's rules as a bible in a sense and then came here to the website to learn from others.

Formality is only necessary when you need it. Meaning if "everyone gets along" then no problem. But the reality is familiarity breeds contempt" and you must have something authoritate to resort to or those "really good friend and neighbors" will disolve into something you see on "Goosebumps". So you guys decide...but eventually...is your group is out there to garner a greater population and parental involvement, they deserve, DESERVE, to have bylaws that will protect everyone's interest in the organization....

d

I'm new to our PTO and everyone just pitches in when they can on the events they can help with and we've managed to be very successful. Now, we have a new member who wants to see a board created with elected offices and by-laws. I'm not even sure there are any by-laws in place. In the past there seems to have been a more formal approach but when those parents moved on things fell off and have slowly come back. Upon speaking with several of the parents many don't want the formality of a board or elected offices. Where do we draw a line and what is necessary and what isn't?:confused: