We are getting more dads as well, I think alot of it is that they see their spouses into it and then want to see why they are so into it and end up volunteering as well. It is so great to see dads be involved and make sure you play it up, pictures on the bulletin board, a writeup about how any sex can volunteer...things like that. Often asking is all it takes ....

Last year we had a couple of dads who really had no desire to attend the meetings, but were more than happy to play in the gym with the kids while their board member wives attended. The kids loved it, the dads loved it, and they were more responsible and involved babysitters than most of the teens we had used previously.

I think you have to find the things that dads are willing to do and what appeals to them. Why not survey your dads?

We've been getting a couple more dads every year over the last few years. Some sit on the board or committees and some just help out with various events. If you get one or two involved, it seems to become contagious.

maybe its a case of, the men THINK the women dont want them there, so they dont go.
maybe they need some words of encouragment, ie fromthe pricnipal if its a man, ie in the school PTO welcome brochure or first newsletter of the year, to specifically invite dads to come, let them know this is a NEW ERA and dads TOO are welcome at PTAs/PTOs....some just need a little push, or welcome, and if several come, they wont feel so out of place or overnumbered, and keep on coming.
maybe instead of cookies and cupcakes, offer popcorn or cheese/crackers instead at the meetings.
or do a survey, ask the men why DONT they attend, and what would it take for them to attend,,,,differnt time (evenign meeting instead of daytime) or day of week etc.
meet at a local pub instead of school, i dont know, get creative, theres got to be a way to get the men involved, after all they are HALF the parent population and need a say in matters. my guess is, they THINK the meetings are ladies affairs and or boring and or just not something that is 'cool'. so, ask them what it takes to make it more welcoming.
in our district, MEN are pres or VP of the PTO, so that is the best way to get dads to attend and KNOW its 'ok' to go. vote a few guys in at next election time!!

it would be nice to have dads at our pto meeting the only guy that comes to the meeting is the princible otherwise we have all woman i would love to have dads get more involved

ronnie

Jack,

I always say that I started coming to our parent group meetings expecting to, "squash bugs and move heavy stuff." That was what I was ready to do at that time. I ended up helping with a lot of different things and eventually became vice president, then president of a new PTO.

Offer your help, find the level that's right for you, and go for it. Learn to say, "no," too if you have a hard time with that. Some women are trained that if there is a man around he is supposed to do everything for them.

Donuts with Dad

3 for ME

Sports League - we use Dynasty Baseball and Yahoo Baseball

Campus Beautification Projects- us guys love tools and dirt

Dad's Volunteer Day

Volunteers' to Read

Make your flyers announcement to the Dads' ie..
Calling all Dads, Gandfathers, Male Guardians, or Male Family member.. We are doing ... XXX project/ event

Somewhere the PTA and a few other online places said 'Guys want it addressed to them (personally I think its a bunch of baloney.. but I'm also different breed :cool: )

I've read Dad's dont want to attend mtgs (Also a bunch of #$*&*%)

Tailor event flyers specifically for them, its worth a shot and ALWAYS TALK, TALK, SELL (Subliminal helps), Talk to the Dads, see what they would be interested in, BE Visible more Dads have shown up for events and mtgs since I have been the ONLY Male board member for the last few years. Now our incoming President is a Dad (since I moved I can no longer be at that school)

:cool: Welcome aboard to the growing ranks of PTA/PTO Dads