Listen, Listen, Listen then talk, talk, talk PTO -- find out why parents arent joining or what the perception/problem is; but the most important is just to build a rapport with the parents -- dont sell, sell, sell PTO -- make the conversation social first then show 'em what the PTO does for the school and their children.

Sometimes we focus to much on the #'s (# attending, volunteering, members, fundraiser)

It only takes 1 to start a chain reaction

Someone else said 'baby steps'-- A turnaround or giant PTO doesnt happen overnite.

Remind parents that even helping at home, helping with homework, etc IS vital to PTO and school

I say take on the position because you know you can be effective and get the job done. Just because there has been poor attendence/participation in the past does not mean that is what your future holds.

Build it and they will come. Lead by example and nurture relationships and things will turn around. Don't rely on flyers to communicate for you, Flyers are there to inform people on what is going on.

To get true participation develop relationships with neighbors, parents in your kids class parents you meet at any type of function. Be the PTO's biggest cheerleader, tell people how much you enjoy helping because the kids benefit and show them how much fun it is. Make calls on anyone and everyone you think may want to become more involved. If you create a team of 8 people all with different connections just think of how many people you can connect with.

After one or two successfull events people will begin to see and you will see things turn around.

Hang in there!

We are about the same size school k-5 (actually a little bigger). A couple thoughts on this:
- Don't worry about the meetings. We have an active parent base, but at the meetings we are lucky if we get more than 15 people.
- Get people involved one at a time on things and be specific on what you need. Most parents will help (and want to) but want to be told what they need to do and how long it will take. If you ask for "help" it's to vague. I can tell you (as a volunteer for many things outside school too) I'm more hesitant if someone asks if I can help at an event vs can I help managage the inflatable for 45 minutes at the event. You may be thinking that and already know that's all you need is 45 minutes, but telling them that is a huge difference.
- Take baby steps. If it's really that bad, don't do so much, but do those things very well.

If it really matters to the parents/kids, they'll let you know they want it if all the sudden someone is not doing it for them anymore. We cancelled an event about 3 years ago due to lack of parents signing up and the year after we had over 150 parents volunteer, and we have it again this Friday with over 100 volunteers.

And, if for some reason your parents don't care then put your efforts into you and your family. You can get much more done and much better quality time 1-on-1 with your family than trying to manage a bunch of stuff for other families that may not even want what you are doing. I put a lot in to our school, but I know the other parents do too adn they care. So, it's worth it for all of us.

OK, first, noboby in their right mind would take any PTO officer position. It actually helps if you're not.....

Second, perhaps the attitudes of the current members is apparent to more people than you and that's what is keeping people away. It has to be fun and the parents have to feel welcome and appreciated. If it's a hostile or negative environment, nobody wants to be there.

You and this other mom sound like just the right people to step up and set things straight. You clearly have good intentions, a willingness to work hard and a real desire to make other parents feel welcome.

Here at PTO Today you have all of the essential tools right at your fingertips: 2 Hour Power, Family Night kits, PTO Today Magazine, Plus Membership, tons of friendly helpful people on the message boards, and now the "LeapFrog’s Next Step: Kindergarten! Program" www.ptotoday.com/leapfrog/nextstep that Rockne mentions on another post.

You'll be surprised to see how a fresh attitude and new faces can really jumpstart a whole new year! I hope you seriously consider a leadership position for the sake of you team and the community you serve.

Our PTO is in horrible shape. The 4 officers are on the second year of their term and will be done in June.They all state they can't wait. What a shame! We were holding AM &PM meetings rotating each month and we recently stopped holding the AM ones because nobody was showing up. We have Approx.500 children in the school having received about 150 new students due to school closings and none of their parents have attended a meeting all year. There are 2 of us who are not even officers who are doing everything to get people motivated and to continue the programs and events we have held in the past. They want us to run for office. WHY would we want to do that? They are totally distancing themselves from all that is going on.Participation on the whole is the pits. Who in there right mind would want to take that on knowing you have no support.Last month another mom and myself sent out a flyer about the PTO meeting, we served cookies and coffee and set up a raffle of 2 school baseball hats. About 20 people showed up. I want the best for our school because it is for our kids! But 2 people cannot do everything! Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what to do to get people/parents to care? Do you just stand back and when they start asking what about this and that say well we had no volunteers to do it? I'm not sure then it's the kids that suffer. It's not just meetings it's any participation in any school functions, fundraisers etc.I just think it's very sad and am looking for some answers on how to make it better. Thanks for ny imput I truly appreciate it.