NaDine, Our high school has a PTSA. The "S" is for students. There is a member of each class, freshman - senior. They participate in the planning and execution of activities going on in their grade level. They bring back this information to their student council meetings to coordinate volunteers at the student level. This seems to work quite well for this school of 900-1000 students.

Yes, I agree that school events need to be enjoyable (fun). Who wants to attend a carnival that is a drag?

But, that's not what I thought we were talking about when we were discussing whether or not the volunteer experience ought to be "fun".

I agree with your assessment that the volunteer experience should entail "a spirit, lightness, lack of guilt", even if all one is doing is picking up trash in the rain following said carnival.

I define the creation of that kind of atmosphere as a side effect of the well organized event led by a capable committee/chair that I posted about previously. On the flip side, a committee chair can attempt to interject the spirit/lightness/lack of guilt through use of gimmicks, just to see his/her efforts at "fun" thwarted when volunteers become frustrated due to her poor preparation, organization, or leadership. But, I know you know this.

Glad to know you weren't referring to "fun" by having volunteers entertained by jugglers, etc. while working at their task.

Hi Jewel - First of all, I bet I'd love your group (not that my loving your group would get you a heck of a lot ). I don't think we're far off.

And yes, I do think there's a distinction between volunteers and "just parents". In fact, I usually use a 4-level ladder.

At the bottom are the folks who aren't connected at all (yet)
The next level are folks who attend school events
Next is worker bees
And top is the completely insane people (like most reading here) who get really into this stuff and give a ton of time (and the dining room table), etc.

The top doesn't want to be served. Typically, your worker bees have also been drinking the Kool-Aid to a degree (though these are the folks for whom your "pleasant" description really applies) and are probably doing the serving. But those last two levels need fun. If you want those who never attend to attend -- then your events need to be good and, yes, fun. And if you want those who attend now and then to maybe move up and help once in a while -- then their experience in attending should be fun (else they'll have little desire to move up).

That's my take.

By the way, I'm not talking about you juggling or doing magic tricks or telling great jokes -- when I'm talking fun. (Though by all means -- if you can... juggle away!). It's more of a spirit and a lightness and a distinct lack of any hint of guilt ("you should do more for the children"). Those things matter.

Tim

Rockne -- This conversation is getting a bit muddy.

You're now drifting into the concept of creating connections between school families via parent group sponsored events and activities as opposed to our previous discussion about the necessity of making the volunteer experience "fun".

With regard to the concept of fostering connectivity/engagement/involvement with the school families, our school hosts many activities where creating "community" is specific goal. We know the PTO has succeeded in meeting that goal. One proof of that is that our new principal
last year remarked on the sense of community he immediately felt when starting work at our school.

With regard to the volunteer experience, however, I stand by my position that parents (whether worker bees or one-time helpers) don't need to be entertained while volunteering. I assert that simply taking pains to create a pleasant volunteer environment is sufficient for volunteers to develop comraderie, feel they are a valued part of the parent group, and feel that their contribution is appreciated. As proof positive, I can easily point to the large, diverse number of parents who volunteer at our school -- it's not just the same people stepping forward over and over again.

Perhaps it's just a different way to "skin a cat".

I agree with all that has been written. I think the "fun" comes in when the event you've worked so hard for finally kicks off but I don't think parents volunteer because they are looking for fun. I also don't think it should be the focus of the PTO/PTA to make volunteering fun. Kids on the playground don't focus on how they are going to have fun - it just happens. Our society should take a cue from the kids - don't try to micromanage everything in life - just let it happen. The fun will find you.

I inject a little "fun" at the PTO meetings by passing around a small wrapped gift when the minutes are being read. I start off by announcing a word that will arise in the minutes several times throughout. When the "word" is read, the person to the right of the person holding the gift "steals" it from that person. This continues with the gift moving around the room and at the end of the reading the one with the gift gets to keep it. It's fun and if nothing else, it makes everyone actually listen to the reading of the minutes!

Hi Jewel -

I think it's more than just a definition difference.

I definitely agree that a good group is pleasant to work in in all the ways that you describe... organized, friendly, etc.

I suspect the difference is that I distinguish between the "worker bee" parents (all the leaders and volunteers who choose to be part of running and working for the PTO) and all the many other parents/families who aren't doing that.

I think part of the mission of a good PTO is to bring all those other families into better connection with the school, even if they never volunteer. (Research says this is a great thing for your entire school.) And to bring those folks in -- fun matters. The 7PM meeting on the first Tuesday of the month just doesn't win the day when it comes to bringing in the masses.

Most groups understand that and therefore have family events. But fun matters here, too. A great family event is better than two just so-so familyevents. Free popcorn at movie night (and some fun door prizes and contests and costumes) is better than charging $2 and shuffling families in and out as fast as possible. Etc.

I think the mission of a PTO is to make a school a great place, and I think increasing family involvement/connection/engagement (with the school) is the best way to do that. I don't think the mission is just to provide activities and stuff for the kids.

I do really appreciate this discussion and am finding it enlightening.

Tim