There is a reason why people aren't volunteering. Once that reason is discovered (if possible) that will be a key to resolving the issue.

I know for us we have experienced that in the past and have done several things to try and resolve the issue.

At the end of last year we sent home a form that basically asked what parents WERE willing to volunteer for. The person who created it told me she got it from the File Exchange program here but I haven't found it yet. Due to that I have uploaded the survey here . In our cover letter it basically said that we wanted to know what people were interested in so we could plan accordingly. We would only hold events that people showed a "passion" in participating in. Perhaps your cover letter needs to be a bit more "tough love" and let the parents know that without volunteers stepping forward to do events they can (and will) be canceled. I am not normally an advocate for canceling events as I think it gives off a very negative impression. However, sometimes the reality of a situation is necessary to achieve a response.

It may be that too much is being done, people just can't afford it, or that they aren't sharing in the same "passions" and events at your school need to be changed/revised/etc. Change is never easy but it may be necessary.

We also started the 2 Hour Power Pledge this year, which has been very successful.

And as one last thought.... just because you are President doesn't mean you have to take everything on. I have been there done that so to speak, it is very tiring not only on me but my family as well. You have to be the one to set boundaries and stick to them, no matter who complains about something not happening. It has been amazing that when it was basically said that some things wouldn't happen without people to lead them, and then my stepping back COMPLETELY, and offering direction/advice only from a distance, how many more people have come forward. We actually have 2 events this year that are being planned by volunteers NOT on our board. This is a first for us.

Also, when someone brings an idea my standard response is "That sounds like a great/interesting/possible idea. Feel free to work something up about it for board approval and let me know what dates might work for you to take it on." Amazing how many "great ideas" get left on the table... In my mind though if they were that "great" though someone would have a passion about them and would want to head them up. Trust me, it isn't easy, I still have to check myself frequently, but it is necessary.

A few years ago the president before me made the comment that "PTO President" meant "honorary gofer" and nothing more. I refuse to function under that concept.... perhaps you need to make that same decision.

I am the PTO president at my son's school. This is my first year. The last years president did not want to do it again because she was wore out and said she had to do everything. I was told that the reason she did not have help was b/c she did not ask for it. So, I took it on. Boy was I wrong. I can not get help from anyone. I have sent so many flyers home, I have sent emails. The people who have turned in volunteer forms do not volunteer. When I call, they do not answer or call me back. The ones that do answer say they can not volunteer. And I had one person say she would come, and then didn't. I called her from my cell at the time of the event (we was already short on volunteers), she said she tried calling me (I had no missed call), and that she had a dr. apt. and could not make it. (It was Saturday). I have been organizing everything and doing all of the paper work. I remember last year a bunch of people came to me and said they wanted to volunteer but was never asked. These same people are the ones that do not answer or do not want to volunteer. I had a person doing our book fair and another small event, and she informed me last week she will not be doing these. I also had a woman that was suppose to do the newsletter, and did not do it, did not answer my calls or emails, and finally emailed me and told me she did not have time to do it and that I should do it myself. (It came off very rude). I am really nice to everyone, I have not had any confrontations, I don't talk bad about people to eachother. I am so frustrated and do not know what to do. I don't think I can continue to do all of this myself. It's only October and I am drained! Any advice would be great.