To wonder why more people don't help at PTA events ... and what would encourage more people to do so ...

[onthebus]

In common with many other schools, our PTA had its annual summer fayre a couple of weeks ago. The school has quite a small PTA (about 6 people) and every year for this event they send out a note asking for volunteers for people to help set up/run stalls/clear away. Every year about 2 people volunteer and the PTA then run themselves ragged trying to do everything (and generally failing).

I'm not on the PTA by the way, though I do offer to help, and it strikes me that this really can't be the best way for anyone.

I understand that some people don't help because they are looking after small children/are at work/think the PTA are too scary/just don't want to but I'm really surprised that so few do. I did suggest to PTA members that if they actually asked people rather than sending out a note they might get more helpers but they are loathe to do this.

So ... I think most people appreciate that funds raised by the PTA are worthwhile. If you do/don't help out at PTA events, why is that, and what do you think would encourage you/other people to do so?

Our PTA always had their meetings before 6pm, so I could never go. I always finished work early the day before a school fair, so I could help set up on the Friday night, which was always arranged for 4pm-6pm, even though I wouldn't be able to go to the fair on the Saturday.

I know the PTA did loads of work and put in lots of hours, but most of the parents who worked full time were simply excluded from anything except manning stalls at fairs.

What would entice me to enter the PTA bubble? Easy, if the bossy alpha mums were no longer involved and the PTA returned back to being a friendly group with a common aim to work alongside the school. The PTA mums I come across both here in the Gulf and back in the UK (used to be a teacher as well) see themselves more as parent governors than parents. I am sure that not all PTAs are the same but mine makes me want to go home and drink gin in totally rebellious and irresponsible manner.

khaliwali - maybe it's not everybody else...maybe it's you? Quite some assumptions you are making there.

No, I don't think I am alone in finding the competitive mum thing unattractive. If everyone was a PTA type then you wouldn't be complaining that you are struggling to find members and volunteers. Read the experiences expressed above-you obviously don't like my tongue in cheek description but you will find several articulate accounts that speak for people like me.

When I joined our new school I went up to PTA mummies who were doing cakes and drinks and said I would like to be involved etc in the dd's new school. Gave them my name, number and email - and..... nothing nothing whatsoever. Obviously I do not fit the 'criteria'

Oh well nevermind, I have managed to go on without them as it turns out they are largely a bunch of self serving and rather worthy mummies who talk all the time about how no one wants to get involved. I also know another mummy who offered her details and was never contacted either. So if they are running their arses off at the Summer Fair, tough shit. Ours are a hardcore of about 6 who are all involved and friends with one another, no one else is really welcome becaue it would dilute their 'do-goodiness'

Bitter, moi?

Competitive mums, cliques, mumzillas, alpha mums, SAHM who seem to have no idea about how little time 8-5.30 FT mum has left......
Those are my reasons for not going back after one meeting.

Pinky- ditto everything you have just said!

I have thought about going to a PTA meeting ( eldest child just started reception). What prevents me is finding a babysitter and fitting it in with my on call shifts etc. I've not heard of all these clique type rumours where I am. I work in an area where you have to hold your own in a meeting so can't imagine being intimidated by them.

I think I generally speaking to other parents about voluntary stuff like leading cubs etc people have less time, jobs are less secure, longer hours and commutes, often both parents working with no family to support with the children. The attitudes of other parents seems to feature highly in the lack of gratitude for taking on a voluntary job too.

It's a sad state of affairs.