Our focus isn't on fun for the parents, but fun for the kids. And we ask the parents to help make an event fun for THEIR kids by volunteering where ever and how ever they can. At the actual event, everyone is focusing on their part of the puzzle to keep the evening going in the right direction and achieving our goal. We always have a core group of parents who sign up for specific tasks, and there are always a few parents who ask if we need any help. If we have it covered, we tell them to enjoy the time with their kids, if we need an extra hand or someone to fill in for a late volunteer, we gladly accept the offer.

I also agree, it's not the PTO's job to make it fun, because--in my opinion--every activity isn't going to be fun. So what does that mean? A parent will ONLY do things because they'll have a good time, and if they don't, they won't volunteer again? I think we should be trying to make it "rewarding" for the volunteers. Because all the challenges, frustrations, late nights, not enough help, so-not-fun crap you might have to deal with upfront to make it happen for the students is always worth it when the parents thank us for a job well done and, more importantly, the students tell the "PTO Moms/Dads" how much fun they had, days after the event/activity took place.

I believe the "fun factor" is naturally visible because (1) we have a group of parents who truly find it rewarding to make it a great year for our students (2) they all know each other either because their children are in the same grade and/or they help out at every event and (3) heck, our Board is just a fun group of women. We convey through words and deeds our appreciation of our volunteers, when we're on-site we shoot the breeze when we get some breathing time, we make sure everyone has snacks/water, gets to take a break, etc. The fun comes in coming together as a school community.

Personally, at our elementary school, if you just want to have fun without the headaches, you probably don't want to be a PTO volunteer.

We have fun as much as we can. We have a great group of people who attend our meetings and being able to laugh at yourself and bringing humor to the group is important. There are many times where meetings are not fun but it is the way it is and we all seem to understand that.

We will bring light refreshments and goodies to some meetings which helps make the environment a little bit more relaxed.

We begin our family meetings with a meal and offer childcare. Families are invited to come together. We begin at 6pm with the meal and start our business at 6:30pm. The earlier time works as no one has to worry about fixing dinner or feeding their family. Attendance has gone up and the dinner time gives time for socializing as a community.

I agree with those that say "fun" should not be the objective of volunteering. As with any volunteer group your participation and why you participate is your personal choice.
But making those that are involved and comfortable is the job of the leader of the group.
I am currently county council president and work with 50 plus PTAs in our area and would welcome any PTA or PTO unit that wanted help, leadership training or guidance or a willing shoulder to lean on.
At every board meeting I have food- at least water and a snack. We have our meeting dates set a year in advance so people can plan to be there., I send reminder notes via e-mail and snail mail. And I always have l a little something at every board member's (and I have almost 30 members of my board) place at every board meeting. Sometimes a handmade card that just thanks them for taking time away from friends and family, sometimes a mini candy bar (so sweet for you to come to this meeting) etc. Nothing elaborate or expensive but thoughtful. It shows you acknowledge they could be somewhere else and glad they are here.
I publicize I am available for the hour before the board meeting for one on one time for anyone that needs to talk about something "off the agenda". I also offer a time for all of them to add to the agenda.
I start on time and (TRY) to end on time. I announce the time line at the start of every meeting and do NOT waste time on "fluff". Treasurers reports and minutes are distributed via e-mail prior to the meeting so we blow through the "consent" agenda in two minutes or less.
In short I acknowledge that it is a sacrifice for them to come but my commitment is to them as well as the organization.
So is it "fun"? I am not sure. But they definitely feel appreciated! My attendance at board meetings is up and I have people asking if they can bring people to meetings so they can see what we are about (I always say yes). That way I am board building for the future, too!

Hi Lisa, the goal of fun is such a desirable concept but rarely attained. We are a Elementary PTO with about 750 students. Our parent age range is obviously on the younger end of the scale with attitudes easier to funnel towards the lighter side, but also at their station in life both parents work. I hope the input on this thread stimulates our creative juices to encourage what volunteer's we have at our disposal to look forward to coming to the school and sharing their time and talents.

I agree that we should try to make volunteering fun for anyone willing to donate their time. I know I am more willing to help if it's fun for me as well as fun for the students/families. I think if you see it as a duty or check mark off the list, it will become "old" to volunteer. That said, of course every volunteer opportunity is not a load of laughs, but that is entirely up to the person volunteering! Set the mood for them, make it appealing, be excited when presenting...maybe it will make them feel like they can have fun when they help???
P.S. We too are feeling the downward drop in our help this year due to the economy! No fun there! :0)