When I had kids in elementary school, we pushed membership really hard at the beginning of school, especially at Open House. It included a competition by class where the class with the highest % of parents who joined PTO got a reward.

We had dues, but they were minimal. I think $5-$10 which included a free copy of the school directory (which sold for about the same).

The membership drive was more about marketing the PTO and gaining a small degree of commitment and initial sense of involvement from the parents.

Once the year got underway, all our families were treated equally. There really wasn't much of a distinction of member vs non member except when the directory was handed out. Yes, only members could vote, but the general meetings really only voted on 1) budget 2) bylaws changes 3) officer elections. But the time any of those got to the general meeting, the details had been hammered out and voting was a mere formality.

How do you run your membership drives in the fall? We usually set up a table in our foyer and parents can sign up as they are coming in we wanted to do something new. Any ideas???