We sent out a survey and out of 1100 students, maybe 250 sent them back. For those that responded, it pretty much confirmed things we already knew. I won't do it again. What I have found is the best way to increase parent participation within PTO is slowly but surely. Word of mouth works best. Have your Exec Board members tap into their pool of friends & acquaintences (dance class, girl scouts, soccer team, church group)and ask each Exec Board member to personally invite one new parent each meeeting, many will come just once, but many will begin to work on your groups behalf behind the scenes and so on and so on. I gave up on trying to increase meeting attendance and began to focus on schoolwide participation (as the wise PTOToday.com articles suggested) and it has really changed my view on how much support we really do have! It helps during those frustrating times (and we all have 'em) to remember those people who have given as much as you but in a different capacity. Embrace that and you'll feel better about continuing your great work! Good Luck.
I tried to send out the survey, but it was corrupt, so I had to delete it. I am very sorry. I got mine from someone on here, so hopefully they will see this and be able to get one to all of us.
I guess I should have rephrased my words. I don't have a Holy Grail, I just think that the answer to finding more volunteers is the Holy Grail. Sorry to have mislead anyone. All I have is a survey that might help.
[ 05-14-2003: Message edited by: Lisa Stovall ]</p>
