Tim's Tips Archive

PTO Today founder and publisher Tim Sullivan has been writing about important issues for parent groups since the first issue of the magazine was published. You can find all of his columns below. Our email newsletter includes a weekly tip from Tim, and Tim is also a frequent contributor to the PTO Today Blog and our Message Boards. Find highlights and featured columns on the Tim’s Tips resources page.

Money Doesn't Buy Parent Group Success
Ignore the headlines. Passion and enthusiasm—not money—are what make great parent groups.
How To React to Critics
Is there anything more annoying than disapproving comments from people who never help? But as a leader, you can deal with them positively.
The Volunteering Gene
Time spent helping out could result in lifelong friendships—and your kids might follow your example as adults.
The Fundraising Salesperson and Your PTO
Fundraising reps have a lot of expertise in their field; take advantage of it to maximize your profits.
My Tip of the Week: Saying No and Your PTO
s not in the vocabulary of most PTO and PTA leaders. It's in our DNA to want to serve and please. It's much better to run a few events really well than to run too many and risk some falling short. And the only way to live by that mantra is to say no to some ideas.
My Tip of the Week: Are You Choosing Efficiency Over New Volunteers?
Can I give you a growing leadership trend to watch out for? I call it "efficiency," and it can lead to bad things for your group. Yes, I'm recommending some inefficiency.
My Tip of the Week: Does Your PTO Make New Parents Feel Welcome?
Do you remember when you were brand-new at your school and attending your first events or PTO or PTA meetings? Did you feel like an outsider? I bet you did.
My Tip of the Week: Check Out Our All-New Leader Lowdown
I’m excited to let you know we launched a new Leader Lowdown this week. I hope you love the new look and feel of this weekly email.
My Tip of the Week: Simple Steps To Change Your Group's Reputation
My Tip of the Week: Tips To Tackle PTO Burnout
My Tip of the Week: Introducing Classroom Holiday Gift Lists
My Tip of the Week: Do More With Less This Holiday Season
My Tip of the Week: Need help? Just ask
The biggest mistake PTO and PTA leaders make is usually by accident and because they are so stressed and busy. It's when leaders don't reach out to every parent who's expressed a willingness to help.
My Tip of The Week: A Little Extra Effort = A Lot More Volunteers
If you want to attract families and new volunteers, then the quality of your events matters.
My Tip of the Week: Hug Your School Even Harder
As do those all across the nation, our hearts ache for the children and families of Sandy Hook Elementary. Please join us in praying for peace, praying for Newtown, and praying for the Sandy Hook community.
My Tip of the Week: Spring To Dos for a Smooth Back to School
I know you want and need a rest. But a few key steps this spring (and maybe even during the summer) can really make a difference for your group next school year.
My Tip of the Week: Stars, Stripes and Your PTO
Every year, we take this week to highlight some efforts your parent group or your school can get involved in to honor veterans and/or show your support for our military personnel.
My Tip of the Week: Ask for Feedback and Make an Impact
One of the best ways to combat the clique reputation that creeps up on so many PTOs and PTAs is to frequently ask for feedback from your entire school community.
My Tip of the Week: Direct Donations and the Pros and Cons
As you begin planning for next year, someone will most likely ask "Why don't we just ask for donations instead of doing all of this fundraising?" It's a fair question, and I totally get the temptation, but experience says you should tread carefully on this path.
My Tip of the Week: Tools To Help Your PTO and Parents This Summer
I have a quick tip this week -- two links that will serve both your parent group and your parents really well. Hope you'll get connected and get the word out to your school parents: Teacherlists.com and SchoolFamily.com

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The need-to-know newsletter for PTO and PTA leaders

Tim's Tips Archive