I was reminded of this while reading the passionate comments on this article about Iowa PTA membership being down. So many of the commenters express frustration that they didn't feel welcome in the PTO or PTA at their child's school. It's eye-opening.

As much as I know that the commenters are wrong, the solution has to come from us PTO leaders. If we want more involvement and more engaged parents, we have to proactively combat that clique image. You may not think you're a clique, but the folks you're trying to recruit do. And that's what matters.

As I said in a column I wrote about PTO cliques, "If even one parent thinks of your group as a clique, then you are a clique." Perception matters.

There are several tips in the column, but the best one is to address the clique issue head-on. It's OK (even refreshing, frankly) for you to stand up later this month at back-to-school night and say "We know that lots of folks think of the PTO as a clique, but it's not that way at all. We know it's hard to feel comfortable with a new group, but we'd love to help you get involved." That kind of welcome and acknowledgment can make a big difference.

Of course, you then actually have to be welcoming to new volunteers. We have some great content to help make your group more welcoming and increase parent involvement. Good luck bringing 'em in!