Oh my goodness, I have just accepted the co-president position at our schools PTO. This year we are revaping the bylaws. How do you get the rest of the board to agree to just allowing everyone membership. The rest of my board thinks that the $280 raised in our drive is going to make or break us .

I absolutely agree - the parents will hear "membership" and they will run for the hills.

Start building your database. Find a go-getter in your founding group and send them out like a "bird dog" - excuse the reference - but to hunt out leaders in your new school.

The only job these hunters will be doing is building involvement - nothing else. They will be the goodwill ambassadors of your parent group. Spreading the word and getting people excited and WANTING to be involved.

Someone is a tupperware/mary kay rep? Voila! there is your future treasurer! Someone is into computers - voila - there is your new parent group webmaster.

It's all about making connections. You can call "HELP" until you're blue in the face, but until you meet them eyeball to eyeball. They will not step forward. (yes, this takes time, but the relationships will stick)

Good luck and have a blast with your new school!

Our new high school opens next fall. I just can't wait! a new track, auditorium and field house, too! woo hoo!

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[ 06-08-2004, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: Momski ]

Kristen -- what an opportunity you have. I envy your blank slate. Parents have no preceonceived notions about your group.

You and your fellow leaders can create any repuation/system you like.

My question: why have a membership drive? To me, they take so much attention and energy for very litte gain (and possibly even some loss, as some will not feel like part of your group.) Besides, is someone really a connected member because they gave you two bucks? Especially if they gave you the two bucks so that their child could get a pizza party?

My suggestion: scrap the membership drive, write in your bylaws that all parents and guardians of the XYZ school are members and then focus on putting on great involvement events in the first half of this school year. Create community and the school success (and even the dollars) will follow.

Tim

How about the first classroom with all membership forms back gets to lead the school in the Pledge, or they get bookmarks, or pencils, or rulers etc. Maybe they are allowed to take an extra book out of the Library, or get "priority seating" at the first assembly.

Our school is brand new and will open in August. I am serving on the Steering Committee until our PTO has been established. I am eager to hear some ideas for the Membership Drive. Because of a new law in Texas, we are no longer able to provide any type of a food reward for the students. Any suggestions for a schoolwide incentive program would be appreciated. Thanks!