The Dangers of Politics for PTOs and PTAs
This heated debate about a PTOs role in a local education vote from a Connecticut website is interesting on several levels.
This
s
s heated debate about a PTOs role in a local education vote from a Connecticut website is interesting on several levels.
First, it's a real look into the passions that are so much a part of local politics, especially around schools. I give credits to both sides here for their engagement. Much better than the opposite (apathy).
But the debate captures very well what almost inevitably happens when the local PTO or PTA gets actively involved on one side or the other of a political issue. Politics by definition are divisive. And groups that take political stands need to do so expecting acrimony.
The PTO critic in the linked debate captures the danger:
I've been saying for a long time that the vast majority of parents/members of local PTOs and PTAs don't think of the parent group as a political organization. They think of it as a parent involvement and community-building and support organization. This debate captures that fairly well.
For the record, I don't have a problem with this Connecticut PTO. Sounds like they have a very active, successful group and they were above board in their work here. We've worked with many groups (PTAs obviosulsy and also many PTOs) who do feel like politics is part of their function, especially on school issues.
But it's my observation that political work and "grow community/build involvement at school" goials are often in direct conflict with one another. Good for PTOs to be fully aware of that before heading down the political path.
First, it's a real look into the passions that are so much a part of local politics, especially around schools. I give credits to both sides here for their engagement. Much better than the opposite (apathy).
But the debate captures very well what almost inevitably happens when the local PTO or PTA gets actively involved on one side or the other of a political issue. Politics by definition are divisive. And groups that take political stands need to do so expecting acrimony.
The PTO critic in the linked debate captures the danger:
I did not know that my children were being used to raise money for an organization that can advocate for anything. I would be happy to have my kids raise money for the WEF, since they have it in their by-laws that they can not advocate for any political issue. Whether we like it or not, and I don’t, this has become a political issue.
I've been saying for a long time that the vast majority of parents/members of local PTOs and PTAs don't think of the parent group as a political organization. They think of it as a parent involvement and community-building and support organization. This debate captures that fairly well.
For the record, I don't have a problem with this Connecticut PTO. Sounds like they have a very active, successful group and they were above board in their work here. We've worked with many groups (PTAs obviosulsy and also many PTOs) who do feel like politics is part of their function, especially on school issues.
But it's my observation that political work and "grow community/build involvement at school" goials are often in direct conflict with one another. Good for PTOs to be fully aware of that before heading down the political path.
