How to revitalise school's PTA?

[redskyatnight]

When the dust settled at the end of last term it was clear that most of the PTA had left leaving just 6 active(ish) members. All of the remaining members are on to their 2nd or 3rd child through the school (so have been around a while). Those remaining are enthusiastic and keen to help - but none of them are interested in taking on the roles of chair or vice chair. They are also (with 1 exception) parents of children in a single year group.

Obviously something needs to be done to revitalise the PTA - but how? With no existing person keen to take on a leadership role it's hard to see how this could/can be done?

Can anyone share any stories as to how they injected new energy into their flagging PTA? Or as to how to make a PTA work with no one willing to be chair or vice-chair?

[TalkinPeace2]

Have a parents only skittles (or equivalent - activity, not just sitting) night at the nearest venue to the school - all welcome
with the catch that they have to come with an idea for an event
that was how my kids junior school took the PTA from 2 to 20 active members
and its still active today 10 years later

[SecretSquirrels]

It's very difficult. I was on PTA when my DCs were at primary and to be honest I was PTAd to death by the last year, not to mention cynical and jaded.

When I left, along with half a dozen stalwarts, the PTA almost folded. The head rounded a few people up and got the school secretary involved and it slowly took off again.

What you really need is fresh blood with every intake. How about writing to all the parents of the new reception intake. Tell them what the PTA is and what you have done with the money you raised last year. Ask them if they would be willing to a) join and come along to meetings or b) help at functions when needed.

[TalkinPeace2]

secret
SO true
I did 7 years of the PTA and then cut all ties for DS year 6 - I'd had enough of being treasurer!