Looking for a programming/service idea? Like what these guys did with a community health fair. Looks like three different groups got involved, recruited some neat local speakers, and even roped in the Radio Disney crew for some fun. Cool.
This trend started before the economy cratered (though reporter makes the connection), but this Michigan piece is still interesting. More and more Michigan groups organizing major community events for their fundraising. Piece profiles several.
I haven’t really been counting, but I sure do love stories like this one about parents and teachers and admins working together to transform a school. Especially like how the parent piece is featured not as a nice-to-have, but as a must-have element of really getting the school thing right. Couldn’t agree more.
It’s decidedly not a quick read, but it’s good enough to make the “grab a cup of coffee” or “print it out and read later” list. We’ll have to make these guys contenders for our next Parent Group of the Year search.
While I certainly don’t agree with all the opinions in this linked blog post, I do think it’s very important for PTA and PTO leaders to think about impressions all the time and work to combat the too-common idea that leaders are cliquey and not open to new and/or more casual volunteers. How do you work against that impression? Check out this feature story on the “Are You a Clique?” topic and my column on why we have to actively work against this clique image.
Sentencing comes through for former PTA treasurer convicted of stealing $180,000 (yes — nearly 200 grand!) from her group over 5 year period. Appreciate the fact that other officers and school parents prosecuted and advocated for harsh sentencing. However, looks like the sentence will be one year of home confinement.
There are so many basic tips for solid money management for your PTO or PTA, but here’s one straight from the article: don’t have bank statements mailed directly to treasurer’s home. No way!
Is your group protecting its funds?
Have to give credit to Tennessee authorities for listening and responding to feedback about the 2007 “school support” regulations that came down last year.
Effective July 1, 2008, several clarifications and improvements have been made (Tennessee regs summarized here). The end result: common sense (and parent groupos and kids around the state) win!
In a nutshell, a needed distinction has been made between school funds and school events and parent group funds and parent group events. Parent groups aren’t required to be 501(c)(3)s and funds are not required to be run through the district. Financial best practices still encouraged. Nice.
Wall Street Journal today covers several new fundraising options with a green theme. PTO Today’s expert take on fundraising trends included.
As you’ll see in the article, to me the #1 measuring stick has to be whether the product and company will work as a money-maker, because all the good work you do in your school depends on the earnings you pull in from your fundraiser. Yes, it would be nice to sell only all-natural, recyclable products that also cure homelessness, but that can only be a factor if the fundraiser also works as a fundraiser.
Same key questions should be asked of a green product as a less-green (more traditional product): will it sell? how much will we make? what’s the customer service like? what are return policies? do you have references? how are the forms and delivery and incentive programs handled? etc. The fundamentals remain the same. Fundamentals? Here’s a story we wrote 6 or 7 years ago on the basics of running your traditional sales fundraiser.
Have you used (or are you considerig using) a “green” fundraiser?
Wow — $65k is definitely one of the biggest embezzles we’ve seen. This one from a middle school PTA treasurer in California.
Of course, our embezzle blog posts wouldn’t be complete without our plea: please use common sense, basic financial controls.
Yup, turtle races. Love the creativity of these PTOers in Massachusetts, who are planning a ton of activities centered on a man-made river (in the schoolyard) with plastic turtles floating downstream. The article contains really good detail on the build-up and plans for the turtle race event, which is a big fundraiser for a new playground project. Nice job.
Story is a great example of the “doing fewer things but doing those things better” philosophy that we’ve written about in the magazine for years. This is the kind of event that — done well — can change the reputation of a PTO for the better.
I just got the heads up that our editorial team posted 2 new articles…just in time for elections & transition season!
What Every Secretary Should Know
A few other sections that are useful for new board members (and those you’re encouraging to join the board!)
 Tim Sullivan |
 Kathryn Lagden |
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