I've been approached by our PTA to be an officer and sit on the board next year. I understand that the PTA is run like a business.
It has been a LONG time since I was in college and high school and was an officer in an organization. Do you know of a website that might refresh me on protocol for running a meeting? I am considering this opportunity. My concerns are it taking up too much of my time since we run our business from home and that is our #1 priority. The PTA opportunity is volunteer only.
Thanks for your input!
Thank you. I have been very involved with my daughter's schools since she started in 2000. I feel it is vital for parents to get involved in some way or another.
The level of interest at the high school level really dwindles and this is a time when they really need us to support the college visits, choices, etc.
Thanks for your input. I will more than likely take a leading position.
UPDATE: I accepted the position. I was approached by the coaches, principal and current board regarding the position of President. I started working with them about 6 weeks before the transition and so far everything is running smoothly. So far, I am enjoying it and we have a team in place for a great year! Thank you all for your input
Yes. However I'm assuming you won't be President but maybe an Officer like Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Chair or some such? Usually the President set the tone for the meetings, organizes the committees, makes motions to pass resolutions, etc Why not attend a meeting and see how they're run? If not your own PTA then one from another school just to get an idea. Someone there should be able to mentor you as well. GL!
Find what positions are open and see what might work for you. I have to be honest I got tired of beign on the board real quick, but I loved chairing things that worked with my personality.
Ask if they are having a board meeting meeting you can sit in on before voting on officers, that way you can see how their dynamic is. It can be fun or frustrating depending on how the meetings go. Unless they are really in need I would suggest holding chair position first. It can be a long year if the board does not work well together.
Yes I do this is my 1st yr my son is in Kindergarten.I don't see why parents don't get involved.It's a good thing to do to volunteer in.
I would ask what time commitment is expected of me. Usually you are expected to serve on a specific committee or direct an event. Some groups are more casual depending on the president's style. I have had the best volunteer experiences when I am able to relax my expectations and set good boundaries.
Every year my child was in school I was an officer, chairperson etc for the PTA.. I have made some of my very best friends through PTA. Teacher, Administrators, Parents and kids.. . We had a ton of fun , even off campus.
If you are interested. Take a look at all of the positions available in your schools PTA, and see what interest you. Then ask the current chairperson what is involved in that particular job.
For an officer position, Parliamentarian was the easiest.. You just have to attend all of the meetings and make sure the meetings follow correct procedure.. do not worry, you will be required to go to a 1 time training to learn the rules..
For a Chairperson be sure to take into consideration the time commitment. The thing I learned was for super busy parents, that wanted to be involved sometimes we would suggest they volunteer for committee that did most of its work before school starts . This way the had the summer to organize the tshirt sale, the information folders, the back to school meet and greet, whatever your school offers. ..
The other thing we suggested was for people to "Partner up with another parent" and be co chairs for some events.. One person can be the organizer and the other person can be the worker bee..
If you are really too busy to be in charge of anything.. Tell them you want them to call on you when they need help. Then give them good times of the school year or specific things you could help with here and there through out the year..
Your going to love it. It is fun to get to know the community and your child will benefit from you being involved in their school.
I'm not politicallly correct enough to consider this. It wouldn't be for me.
