PTA Mom's and Dad's...I need your help, please..!
By cjsmom
@cjsmom (1423)
United States
March 7, 2007 7:44pm CST
I will be joining our local PTA next Tuesday; I haven't a clue what I'm suppose to do.
From what I've been told, you go there, sit and listen to other parent's concerns about their children's education; good or bad, and then do the same.
I met one of the members today when I took CJ to dentist and she told me that the group is about ready to disperse unless more parents show up to meetings. I really would hate to see that happen, especially since I'm wanting to join.
She also told me to prepare myself because there can be some real 'shouting matches' at times; most of time, actually. I don't quite understand that part of it; why people would want to yell at each other when they're all there to get help for their children..?I have been asked to come up with ideas on how to bring more parents to the meetings so that they won't fold.
Are there any parents in local PTA that could give me some suggestions; perhaps a few incentives that would bring the parents in and keep them coming?
3 people like this
6 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
8 Mar 07
I never belonged to the PTA. The PTA's in our schools were always run by those who thought they were better than anyone else.
You should go to one or two of the meetings and see how what they have to offer. If you find they are more a shouting match and not very productive. You should tell them that you will not participate in such childish activities, that you thought it was for the betterment of the children and not a bunch of whiny adults getting together and arguing like out of control children. I doubt it will change the way they run things, but maybe it would be enough to get them to think about their actions for 2 seconds.
2 people like this
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
8 Mar 07
That's a good idea as well...I can go and listen long enough to make an intelligent decision on how the parents really are; whether or not they truly care for their children and want to help them and their teachers, or if they're just playing mind games and want only to hear the sound of their own voices.
If nothing else, I can still volunteer my time at the school to help whenever I can; I'd like to make a bit of a difference in the lives of our children.
1 person likes this
@AxranraRose82 (1120)
• United States
14 Aug 07
You could also propose to the principal a take-over of the PTA. As far as I am aware a PTA has certain guidelines that they must follow. Grab a copy of the bylaws and make sure for yourself that the meetings are doing what they are supposed to. If not then go to the prinicpal or vice principal and let them know what is going on and that you wish to put a stop to it and make it right!
1 person likes this
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
15 Aug 07
Hi there. I just came back from doing some PTSA stuff a little while ago.
Each PTSA is different depending on the school and the group of parents involved.
It's a shame to hear about the shouting matchings but I'm not completely suprised. Working with volunteers can be quite challenging.
To answer your question about what you should do...I would say contact a PTSA member, preferably the president and tell her (or him) you want to help out.
Give them your contact information and let them know exactly how much time you have to give them.
I think the key to recruiting members is visibility and enthusiasm. If parent's see the PTA actively working in the school they will be more likely to want to join. If they see parents working together well, they will want to join.
Of course, if they see parents shouting at eachother, they will be hesitant.
Good luck
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Oh dear - PTAs are no different than any other "group" people will be people and among the group there are going to be good ones and bad ones. All you can do is pray the good out weighs the bad. The sad thing is most often the "bad apples" are going to be the loudest and pushiest and will eventually spoil the whole basket - or group. The only way for the PTA or any group to suceed at it's mission is if there is at least one good minded person strong enough to keep the others (bad apples) in check and keep the group on track to fufil their mission - in this case betterment for the children.
My suggestion would be to watch and listen, figure out who is on track and join up with them. Maybe meet for coffee or invite a couple to your home. Then away from the others discuss the important issues and form a formatiable mini-group to stand together at the meetings.
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
8 Mar 07
That's a good idea and I will do that but I don't know how much longer the group will be around if I don't come up with something - immediately, so-to-speak - that will entice other parents to start coming, and on a regular basis.
Granted, my first meeting will be this next Tuesday nite but it would be great to have at least a couple of ideas to throw out there...lol
1 person likes this
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
23 Aug 07
Good luck with the PTA meeting CJ's mom. I'm sorry but unlike other topics I won't be as effective here (look at my age under the profile and you'll see why
1 person likes this
