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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

409 replies

onthebus · 21/07/2011 13:29

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?

OP posts:
SauvignonBlanche · 21/07/2011 22:37

pingu you have just proved what santimonious, self-serving nobbers some PTA members are!

DownyEmerald · 21/07/2011 22:38

I hate fundraising. I'm just not suited to it, I have to do it for work sometimes and find it excruciating. I might join the PTA at some stage because I feel they just get to find out a lot more about other stuff and I am nosy.

But we were having a bit of a moan once in the playground about buying something to donate and then buying it back again and why didn't we just write a cheque to cover it all at the beginning of the year, and why did we need the PTA and the CHAIR said "but it's a really good way to get to know the other mums". So if that is what the Chair/Parent Governor thinks the PTA is for why should I bother?

I help out at things - tidying up school grounds, school trips, reading at school - much more me.

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/07/2011 22:40

at pingu's list of activities.

Not bi-monthly meeting Shock

jugglingwiththreeshoes · 21/07/2011 22:40

I'd like to see the PTA at my DS's school be less cliquey and embrace the large Pakistani community of parents too. I think the staff could get more involved to facilitate this if necessary. I love the Asian food that many would be happy to contribute to school events if they were only encouraged ! The Asian community at our school put on a wonderful event in support of the Boxing Day tsunami a few years ago ( and the food was awesome Blush ) I agree with other posters too that smaller contributions of time and effort by more people needs to be encouraged, rather than a few people running the whole show !

scottishmummy · 21/07/2011 22:41

pigu has epitomised what is odious about pta
self serving with sense of entitlement,and expectation of good seats.lol but only to FULL time brown nosers

unfitmother · 21/07/2011 22:41

pingu that's nearly as shocking as your post last night about asking the new Reception teacher to keep the boy with ADHD away from your DD!

nenevomito · 21/07/2011 22:42

Pingu, oh Pingu.

"People think they are doing enough or their bit by helping out for half an hour on a stall......"

So after I've worked around 50 hours a week and tried to spend as much time as I can with the DCs in between, the time I offer to help out on the stall isn't enough.

May I suggest that you start planning a hobby for when your DCs leave school to fill the hours currently lavished on the PTA?

fedupofnamechanging · 21/07/2011 22:42

Pingu, allocating seats is saying that some parents are more important than others. They all have children in the school play. Just because some people are busybodies happy to be actively involved and organise everything, it is their free choice to do so, and doesn't give them greater rights at school events than anyone else.

bibbitybobbityhat · 21/07/2011 22:43

But so OBVIOUSLY not typical of most ptas, sm. You're not going to start writing off your lack of engagement with pta down to that random post now, surely?

nenevomito · 21/07/2011 22:43

unfitmother was it ADHD this time? Its usually the kids in her DS's class with asbergers (sic)

Willowisp · 21/07/2011 22:43

Oh crikey ! I've signed up for the PTA in September...my DH thinks I will be good at it because I'm quite a good networker...seems like, if these stories are to be believed I'll be needing quite a few other skills !

scottishmummy · 21/07/2011 22:43

all parents equal.pta more equal
thanks pingu for that insight

bibbitybobbityhat · 21/07/2011 22:45

Heh heh, you're going to take that ball and run with it now aren't you sm? What a gift horse!

scottishmummy · 21/07/2011 22:46

no.bibbity i dont do pta.i do ft work
i gave an anecdote,not representative just my as it was account

unfitmother · 21/07/2011 22:46

Nope babyheave it was definately ADHD - here

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/07/2011 22:46

I must admit that I never got involved with dd's junior schools.

It is a different story with senior school though - it is a distinctly non stuffy school and welcomes all sorts of help. There isn't a PTA but I do get involved in volunteer days etc, and when worked near the school worked to get sponsorship from local companies.

But nothing committee based

bibbitybobbityhat · 21/07/2011 22:47

You work full time? You don't say!

scottishmummy · 21/07/2011 22:47

ach cmon bibbity,this is so easy.pta zealots handing to mn on plate proof why we all think they are bitty ott

GetOrfMoiLand · 21/07/2011 22:48

DOES ANYONE WANT A FAIRY CAKE ?

Katisha · 21/07/2011 22:49

I'll have a fairy cake. But only if you have priced it properly.

nenevomito · 21/07/2011 22:50

Yeah, I'll have a cake.

I need ammunition for a bunfight Grin

Do you have any scones?

nenevomito · 21/07/2011 22:51

I wouldn't worry katisha, GetOrf's only on the stand for 30 mins.

MerryMarigold · 21/07/2011 22:51

Wow, sure am glad I am not in pingu's school. Woe betide someone who has small kids and can't be a "FULL" PTA member! (Because their toddlers need a nap at the times meetings are scheduled etc.). BLIMEY. My dh helps out with accounts as he is an Excel whizz, but that's about all. I wonder if we'd qualify for 1 seat, or maybe none, at the Christmas play! Ooh, the judgments involved would be hideous (or maybe quite fun if you're that way inclined). Hmmm..."well Merry's husband did the accounts and she helped on the bookstall at the summer fair and clearing up after the Christmas party, but that's hardly FULL membership is it? I mean she didn't come to any meetings or organise anything...maybe she can have 1 seat. I know, let's allocate all the rest and see if there's any leftover." The mind BOGGLES!

PortBlacksandIsleOfDogs · 21/07/2011 22:52

I have cake and it is from Tesco home-made and presented on a nice doily so it looks as if it is from Tesco nice and home-made....

and i can guarantee no toddler sputum in it

Kladdkaka · 21/07/2011 22:52

Our PTA organised a trip to a local farm thingy for all the nursery kids and their parents. This wasn't a free trip, everyone had to pay. However the PTA members wouldn't have to because of all the work they did all year. Their ticket costs would be factored into the total cost when working out how much tickets costs. Apparently they did this every year. I was livid and said I'd inform every parent in the school if they went ahead. They didn't in the end, but I think that's why they hated me so much.