I'd have to say that one of the things that helps us keep our head above water is the fact that we plan, plan, plan and look at the details. People like to come to well organized, well run events, whether that is to volunteer or to support. If they get there to help, and no one is in charge, they stand around tapping their foot and mayhem rules then they won't come back. I agree too that the communication aspect of things is very important and the leadership has to act like leaders. Don't get into personal squables, don't feel like you are "better" because you are volunteering and other cannot (or won't) and make the group sound and feel successful. You'll always have someone that has a complaint, respect it, change if there is a need and don't forget to say "we messed up" if that is what has happened. Taking this stuff too personally will really wear down the organization and the individuals that do support you. Everyone likes a bit of gossip now and again, but you cannot do it when your trying to run an organization as busy as these are.
Finally--have fun. We forget that so much. Have fun with the families, get to know the children, learn their names and they'll learn yours. No one is doing this for the money...so if you make it an enjoyable atmosphere, introduce folks to one another and then orchastrate a couple of nice words to say about someone and catch them doing something right, you'll have a team moving with you in no time.
what makes us successful: Learning from our mistakes, realizing that to be a true part of the school environment you need to learn to give and take, sometimes things won't go your way and it is those times that you need to work as a group and find a solution to reaching your goal. Brag about your events and projects, play up that it is fun to volunteer!Principal support is another must have to be successful, that support can make or break you! Most of all you need to have fun, if you aren't having fun then there is something wrong!
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
For us, infectious enthusiasm has been the key to success. We love what we do and take pride in what we accomplish... now, others what to get in on the game, too.
Kelley
Madison PTO
Mount Vernon, WA
The most important advice that a PTO should be given is to communicate everything with their parents. What so many PTO's forget is that the board members are there to REPRESENT the parents each and every parent in the school!!! This does not mean for them to think they have the almighty power to do whatever they want. Just because "that's the way we have always done things" is acceptable to them, they have to realize things change. So many times you have individuals who are very narrow-minded in their thinking because they have lived in the same town all their lives, have graduated from the high school etc... and they don't realize how important fresh ideas can be. Tell the parents, let them vote and decide. They elected the president in they can also elect for her/him to be removed.
I don't have any tried and true ways we are successful. But one thing to try is to look at your by-laws see what your mission is as the PTO, look at the descriptions of what is expected of board members and try to get some ideas of what your PTO is all about and why it was established.
Our PTO was set up in the late 70' or early 80's, the ladies before us that set us up must of done a great job. We have kept many of their ideas through the years and we have adopted some new ideas. We have several committees that oversee certain events and projects. We hold monthly membership meetings (attendance varies, usually it is same people at each meeting). Our committees hold meetings for their respective functions with their volunteers ie., carnival, bookfair, etc.
Good luck. Sorry I don't have great advice. I would just remind everyone the PTO exists for the good of the students and the school staff.
I am soliciting help!!!Our PTO is a very split group, consisting of about 3 different groups, all of which think it should be"their way or the highway". What makes your PTOs successful, and how do you all put your differences aside for the common good of your children? Give me your secrets to success [img]smile.gif[/img] Our group is turning off new parents and we are losing participation at an alarming rate, because no one wants to come to the meetings and deal with it. Unfortunately, the pres and vice pres are in one camp, which makes them partial to that group, and dead set against others, so going to leaders is really not my first option. Help!! :eek: My hope is to go to the principal with real, viable suggestions to move this group forward. Thanks!
