Hello All,

I need encourgement, suggestions anything! This is my first year as PTO President. Our first executive meeting was in June. Everyone volunteered at the meeting for what they would like to or could do for our upcoming enrollment day, general PTO meeting and fun fair.

As of enrollment I had only heard from two officers and was basically putting everything into motion myself. This was not problem. I was very optimisic, I felt everyone would come through eventually. Our first general PTO meeting was a success. Several activities and committees were up and running smoothly.

Later that night two officers took their complaints to others (not me). Their complaint was that I was doing everything and I was not including them. I was shocked! I had made phone calls and sent several emails all summer with no reponse. I took a deep breath and basically outlined in an email what everyone had signed up to do in June and what additional duties they had accepted at the general PTO meeting.

To make a long story short, several projects have not go out or happened on time even up to this point due to the complainers that want more to do but never follow through.

I am trying to stay "HAPPY" but it is getting more and more difficult. I love being a part of the PTO, I do not mind the work at all but how do I curb the gossip about me when it is unjustified.

I am not a work hog just an organized person.

Thank you. Poohsmom

I was ambushed this morning by two people who are doing the same to me. I am trying to delegate, but when there is no one to delegate too, or you know the person you are asking is unable to complete the task, how do you tell the children sorry I won't do it, because it will look like I am doing to much.
My principal sat me down after this mornings nightmare and said. You are now at the top, this means that everyone who is not happy will take pot shots at you. Welcome to the club of people who are punished because they care enough to get the job done. Just like last weeks attack, we need to rise above it, and move on. Just keep doing what you in your heart know is right. After all we aren't here for ourselves, we are here to make tomorrow a better place through our children of today.

[This message has been edited by Delene (edited 09-19-2001).]

Thank you Delene,

I really did need to hear that. I'm feeling better already.

Poohsmom

Hang in there....I go through the same thing. I am continually asking for volunteers to do something and rarely get anyone to do it, so I end up doing it and looking like a "hog". Of course, one of the biggest complainers about the booster club and all we do, and me in particular, is someone who has never even joined. It seems like this is always the case. Just hang in there and do what you do best. Remember, it is for the children, and the heck with the backstabbers and critics.

Hey Poohsmom!
Keep your chin up! I too care so much in what happens in my childrens lives and at school. I just try to surround myself at school with people that I know and trust. You can only do so much though. Just try to do your best but remember that YOUR family comes first, so don't stress yourself out about things that you can not control. If something has to get cancelled because of people won't help, then that is too bad for them. All you can do is all that YOU can do!! I try to do as much as I can for MY kids classes so I am involved with THEM. And that is all that matters any way is you, your children and the time that they get to spend with you. When others see you trying your best maybe they will finally get the hint that all of this time that we spend is really for our children. Good Luck! Pennye

Poohsmom,

From my point of view, it sounds like you need another Exec. Board meeting. Our exec. board is quite new, so we met three different times over the summer. I really think it helped us become more of a team. We accomplished lots, but also had lots of fun & did some "gabbing". I think all of those things are important. It seems pretty clear that your group is not yet a team. We also have our recording sect'y take minutes at these mtgs. That way there is a record of who agreed to do what...

I'm afraid I also take a very different view of other people's opinions. Unless I hear something DIRECTLY from someone, I try not to pay much attention to it. If I think there's a possibility it could be true, I make an excuse to call the person. I have some chit-chat and try to get to the topic indirectly.

As far as things not being done on time, make sure your messages to them state that you are concerned about the project and they should call you ASAP or the project may need to be cancelled.

I hope some of this helps.

Keep us informed.
Jo