I do recognize the importance of thanking volunteers, though. At our school, there is a Volunteer Appreciation luncheon that the school's faculty/staff does for us. Usually it is a covered dish that the teachers put together. The principal speaks and sometimes various teachers (usually K or 1st) will bring their kids in to sing a song or do a little presentation (very cute). All of the classes do a poster thanking the volunteers. All volunteers are recognized (not just Board members) with a certificate and various pins or other gifts are given for reaching certain levels of volunteer hours (50, 100, 200 ... 500+). It's a lot of fun for us; it involves all volunteers, not just Board members; and it allows teachers and students to show their appreciation.
I cannot imagine the outrage that would ensue if our PTO ever spent money on a lavish party like you describe for Board members. We would be harshly criticized -- and rightly so.
Good luck making a change -- it may be hard for some people to give up such a luxurious perk.
This one's tricky. There's definitely a line in my opinion (limo????), but i can also see great benefits from volunteer appreciation.
I think a Volunteer Awards or Thank You banquet for all of your volunteers at the end of the year could be great fun and become a tradition that helps build even more involvement. Could even be a nice party. I think a case could be made that any $$ spent would pay off in more good things in the future as volunteers stay on and more volunteers join, etc.
I'd caution against the Board-only appreciation, as I suspect it would only fuel any impression (rightly or wrongly) of us-vs-them.
We do nothing like that. I was the Vice Prez last year, Prez this year, and I think once towards the end of the year, after a regular PTO mtg, a couple of people went to a local restaurant for a drink,(they paid for it themselves) but that is it. I would not feel comfortable spending any money on the board or members of the PTO. The money we raise is not to take us out to dinner, but to provide things for the children, assemblies, Christmas gifts, books, etc.
We do a Chairperson Appreciation Dinner at the end of the year. It is more like a "Happy Hour" at a local restaurant. We order apps, wine and soda and hang out and chat... on the deck if the weather permits. We do include spouses (since they have to put up with the absence of the chair during the year)and usually have a pretty good showing. This is the best way we find to thank everyone for their hard work. This year we budgeted $400 but spent only $200. I hope this helps.
I'm the new PTO Coordinator this year--President position, new title---anywho...do all of you include a Board Appreciation Dinner in your budget? Looking through the last two years' ledgers, they had budgeted & spent over $300.00 on a dinner(at restaurants)& a limo for the board members each year. I don't know how I feel about using PTO money for this. Any thoughts...
Thanks!
