To all new presidents:

I too am a new president facing challenges, as you can't teach an old dog new tricks!

Many of my board members have been at our school for years and are unsure about change. I have faced several challenges this year but each has turned out for the best (lucky Me!).

The first thing that I did as incoming president was to send home a PTO survey to the parents of our school. (I offered a prize to each child that returned the survey.) I also sent a survey to the teachers in my school. I let everyone know that I was interested in what they had to say and think.

I took these forms, complied all of the suggestions and began working on my agenda during the summer. I made many changes and added many new fundraisers/events based on what parents/teachers suggested.

When I held my board meeting in early August to set budget, I was very prepared. The meeting was conducted with an agenda that was very detailed.

I had meetings and event dates tentively noted. I had sample flyers for new fundraisers. I had my goals outlined for the year. I had back to school flyers ready, including a membership brochure and volunteer sheet (all revised from what was used in the pass).

Although not all of my board members agree with everything that I suggest, I encourage comments. I take the good with the bad and improve on things where needed. If something that I suggest fails, then I blame myself and let the "I told you so's" take place.

I try to attend as many non-PTO functions as I can, representing PTO of course. When I need extra help, I send home personal notes to my helpers. AND I alway thank them, even those who at the last minute can't help. I let them know that I undrstand things come up at the last minue and that I appreciate them volunteering but maybe next time they can make it.

It's all about attitude. I won't argue with anyone over the little things nor the big things. I have hung the phone up and walked away from board members who were trying to argue with me. When everyone is calm then I re-address the problem and we usually come to an agreement or understanding. If someone doesn't like what I do, I suggest that they become president next year. That usually ends any arguement.

I am glad to say that this year our membership is up and our volunteer rate is up. And we have raised an extra $1500 with new fundraisers.

I am far from perfect but try really hard to be a perfectionist.

I am also a new president and am facing a real change of scenery needed. We are having a focus group in a few weeks that will be available in the afternoon and evening.This way SAHM and working parents can all attend. There will be a round table forum with 4 topics we will address. Fundraising, involvement, social events and communication. We are viewed as very cliquish and unapproachable because in past it has been. This is the 1st year we can invoke real change. I am with you and hope this helps a little.

Thank you so much for your assistance and the uplifting words. It was very comforting to know that I am not the only faced with this dilemma. To answer questions, I dont know of an underlying issue with the PTO but I am going to definately check into it, and yes I have prayed about it. My church is a very big support beam in everything I do. Thank you again for your kind words and uplifting thoughts. I feel better about going into my meeting today.

I am also the president of a newly formed pto at my sons school. The school has about 600 kids and on the night of the meeting only 7 people showed up. Now that we are doing funraisers, some of the teachers are upset. Saying that we are keeping them from fundraising for their classes to do different things. This doe not make sense, but go figure.

I am also a new pres and I noticed that our school's PTO was almost non-existant. When I started, there were 2 ladies who seem to do everything because no one would help, but they also seemed overwhelmed by everything that they had to do.
I started the year by asking for help. I sent out letter with descriptions of what needed to be done and an application with it. I tried to appeal to those who don't want to attend meetings and those who work during the day. I can send you the letter and application if you would like. You may email me at bevshoresptoATcsDOTcom.
I got about 60-70 applications back out of 700, which I thought was great! Many people signed up for more that 1 job. Many check the boxes "I will do what I can" and "I can help in other ways". I think that alot of people want to help, but don't know what to do.

Steph, I wonder what the cause is of this indifference. Sure, you're going to always hear the standard involvement dodges (I'm too busy, I work outside the home, I have too many kids to come to meetings, blah, blah, blah)but is there something else going on at your school? Is there a bad track record from a previous PTO? Are parents maxed out by other "volunteer" requirements? Are typical PTO functions being taken care in other ways? I think I'd be looking for something behind the resistance if I were you.

If you turn up nothing, then you just have to start from the ground up, I guess. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Do people realize there's a PTO? I'm always floored by how many families in our tiny school aren't even aware that we exist! We've done every thing short of sticking post it notes to their kids' foreheads about our activities and STILL they are surprised to hear we have something planned.

2. Is the perception that joining the PTO means endless hours of meetings and responsibilies? We try to get the word out that involvement may range from just an hour or two here and there to participating in a full scale event. There's room for everyone.

3. Have you prayed about this?! This is where I start every time!

Hang in there! You're doing something very valuable for your daughters and their schoolmates. I'm sure your girls are very proud of you.