Synergy, Unity, Power

My vision of the ideal Parent volunteer group
By Lynne Burns

In the past several months, I have thought a lot about how to bring all the families at our school together in a common, united way. These are some of my ideas for how I think a PTO will unify our school community:

Synergy with Ownership – Every parent will belong to the PTO, and therefore feel ownership in the success of the organization. This is OUR parent volunteer group, and our individual responsibility to make it awesome!

Unity through Equality – Since every parent is a “member,” all parents have the opportunity to volunteer wherever and however they feel they can make the most impact for our children. Everyone will be treated equally when it comes to receiving communication about things that affect our school.

Power OF the Parents – Parents will finally have the power to make all the decisions regarding their own volunteer group. Obviously, any effective long-term organization needs rules. But wouldn’t it be awesome if parent volunteers could decide collectively on the best way to organize themselves?

Local control of Funds – Any money paid to the parent organization WILL STAY where it has the most impact for OUR kids – which is at OUR school! At the local level, we know best what our children and teachers need, so why send that money away?

Support our Teachers – There is often a surplus of fundraised monies, and a streamlined process could be created for dispersing that money where there it is most needed at our school. Wouldn’t it be amazing for teachers to be able to petition the organization for funds they need to benefit kids at the school?

Nationwide, 75% of public schools have an independent parent teacher organization, or PTO. We have contacted nearby PTO schools, and have found their modern, stream-lined processes to be refreshing and smart. Parents at these schools are excited about volunteering and feel supported by their organization. All this leads to happy volunteers and teachers, and most importantly, happy (and hopefully, optimally educated) students!!