I am trying to start a PTO, but my vision is something more than a volunteer pool, though I think that is a big part of a PTO. I also want a place to exchange ideas about broader issues, like summer homework (which I dislike). I feel a push back from my Principal. Do other PTOs discuss broader topics?

Well, Clyde, this post sheds a bit of light on your other post in the Teachers/Principals forum.

My personal vision of a PTO is that they are a service group of the school, raising funds and providing the extras to improve the learning environment.

I feel curriculum issues, disagreements with staff and board members, etc are better voiced through school board meetings or parent teacher advisory committees.

If you are feeling push back from your principal, it may be warranted. You certainly have the right as a tax payer and a parent to voice issues with the school and perhaps even to organize a group for a larger voice. I personally would recommend an avenue other than PTO to deliver your message.

We do not have a parent-teacher advisory committee. I have gone to the board with issues and hit a dead end, basically the President just defers the issue back to the Principal (where I already started!) and that is the end of it.
I guess I feel a PTO can be more than a service group. A place for the exchange of ideas, etc. Esp. since there does not really seem to be a structure for discussion otherwise at our school btw parents and teachers or just parents.

I can certainly understand your frustration. Your principal sounds like a gatekeeper who doesn't let much happen without her. Perhaps those who have worked with (or around) a difficult principal can offer more advice here. Good luck to you.

The problem with the PTO becoming an advocacy group, is that advocacy generally means there is something to support with opposing opinions. Can you do that and represent 100% of the school? To me, that's different group than the traditional PTO which normally exists to coordinate volunteers, encourage parent and community involvement, and enhance school programs.

The is no cookie cutter definition for PTO, so theoretically it can be whatever the organizers choose it to be. But you'd want to make sure the different aspects of your group don't serve cross-purposes. And you might consider a different name/acronym to help differentiate it from the typical expectations.

Thanks so much for shedding some light on what I am trying to do. You are right, I feel some advocacy would not be a bad thing. The PTA does advocacy and says the PTA should be part of policy-making. If the PTA has that as one of it's mission and it has been around for 100 years I am not the only one thinking that way!
I guess there are parts of the school not working so to speak and I was hoping to have the PTO fill that need. I am btw a rock and a hard space. The parents are setting up camps.