In my experience, PTOs and PTAs have more drama than the average organization for a couple of reasons. One is that parent groups work with our kids -- and we all have very passionate opinions about what's best for kids. Another is that in a PTO there is often no "what I say goes" authority figure who can put an end to drama that has gone too far. (Think about what you do at home when the kids take things too far.)
And there's no doubt that all this drama hurts our groups, our schools, and our volunteers. Drama is really tiring. It saps everyone of energy. It takes the focus away from doing good work. It absolutely makes parent involvement and gaining volunteers more difficult.
I wrote a column called ''Stop the PTO Drama'' a while back, and the solutions remain the same. It starts with working hard to be the grownup in these situations, even when others are reenacting the worst parts of high school. Another huge factor is communication -- don't let nagging annoyances and growing bad feelings fester. Schedule a coffee or openly discuss your group's efforts to avoid drama right at a meeting. Small dramas become debilitating dramas when not addressed.
I've never met a PTO volunteer who hasn't faced her share of drama in the volunteer world. What have you faced? And what have you done about it? Would love to hear your take on dealing with drama.
