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Are you a new Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leader realizing how overwhelming your new role is?
Do you wish that someone would just tell you what to do?
If so, this post is for you!
Let’s explore exactly what to do as a new leader for your PTO!
Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer that this is not a complete list of everything that you should be doing because that would a massive read.
Instead, read on for some quick hits about big picture things to keep in mind as you begin your term as a PTO volunteer leader.
Check Your Ego
The very first thing I want you to do is check your ego.
It is not all about you, and I don’t want you to be taking things personally.
That’s what I mean by checking your ego.
So, not that you are not all that, because you are all that because you’re awesome for having stepped up.
But there are going to be some times when people don’t agree with you.
You’ll probably make some mistakes because you are human, and that’s what humans do.
And so, I want you to not take it personally.
Don’t ever think that if you make a mistake that it is a sign that you made a bigger mistake in stepping up to volunteer with your PTO.
That’s not the right takeaway message.
The message should be, “I’m a human, and I’m going to do better next time.
It’s an opportunity; it’s an invitation to do better next time.
Get Organized
Next, I want you to get organized.
This is a common theme around these parts simply because it’s a pervasive issue for most PTO volunteers.
They don’t have their stuff together.
They haven’t taken 30 minutes out to organize their PTO binders.
This small investment of time will pay off big down the road when you’re not hunting for someone’s contact information, for example.
You’ll also love feeling confident knowing that you have a handle on the resources available to you in your role.
Even outdated officer binders have some useful information.
But you only know about it if you take the time to get organized.
Once you get all of your papers in a binder sorted, three-hole punch it and put it into the binder properly.
Make sure that you have access to contact information for other officers as well as your group’s bylaws and standing rules.
Add in copies of any forms that your group uses for check requests from the treasurer or deposit forms, especially if you’re in a fundraising, membership, or family events role where you’re accepting cash payments or check payments on behalf of the PTO.
The deposit forms will give you a way to document the receipt of those funds.
Plus, you’ll make the Treasurer very happy since they won’t have to guess where to apply the income in the budget!
Done for You PTO Officer Binders
If you don’t have an officer binder, this is your sign to set one up.
All of the Success Kits in my shop have a binder kit along with all the forms and templates you’ll need in your role.
Each Success Kit has been customized for the specific role so rest assured it has exactly what you need.
Here are a few of the most popular kits:
Picture this: you, the PTO/PTA President, taking charge like a boss, armed with a treasure trove of resources that will make everyone else wondering exactly how you manage it.
Your secret weapon? The President’s Success Kit!
This isn’t a bunch of busywork templates that look really pretty, but don’t actually amount to anything.
This kit is a collection of game-changing, mind-blowing arsenal of systems, tools, and templates designed to make your life easier and turn your dreams of doing fantastic things for your school community into reality.
The President’s Success Kit is jam-packed with bite-sized nuggets of guidance that will empower you to lead with confidence.
Get your copy today!
Empower Your Role as Treasurer. Effective financial management shouldn’t be stressful. Instead of piecing together systems on the fly, imagine having a proven framework at your fingertips.
The Treasurer’s Success Kit provides that framework. This expertly designed system empowers you to manage your group’s finances with confidence and ease, saving you valuable time and eliminating unnecessary stress.
Experience the difference:
- Certainty and Peace of Mind: Know you’re covering all your bases, every time.
- Clear, Actionable Roadmaps: Follow a simple monthly plan for consistent success.
- Streamlined Organization: Enjoy a perfectly organized system that keeps everything in its place.
- Increased Confidence: Feel in control and prepared for any financial task.
- Simplified Record Keeping: Effortlessly manage past and present records.
- Instant Organization: Get set up and running in minutes.
Transform your treasurer experience!
Ready to dive more into the work of PTO and school fundraising, but wish you could have a plan of action ready at your fingertips?
Time to learn more about the Fundraising Success Kit!
It’s never been easier to hold highly profitable school fundraisers using these customizable strategies and step by step plans that work for every type of parent group, and any type of fundraiser, from a traditional catalog to A-thon Fundraisers and everything in between.
This resource is guidance plus a complete plan walking through the entire process of fundraising for your school, including a publicity plan, templates, forms and a planner kit to help you get outrageously organized in a snap!
Stop struggling to recruit PTO members.
Get results with the Parent Involvement Success Kit.
This comprehensive toolkit provides everything you need to attract, recruit, and engage families effectively.
Forget generic flyers; we’re talking customizable action plans, proven engagement strategies, and ready-to-use templates for welcome packets, back-to-school information, and new member orientation.
Streamline your membership drive, build a strong parent community, and make a real difference in your school.
Get organized, get results.
Be Prepared to Screw Up
The next thing, and it kind of ties back to the very first thing I talked about, is to be ready to make a mistake.
Because it’s going to happen at some point, but it’s not going to be fatal.
And even if it is super embarrassing, it is okay because you just need to get through it.
At the same time, remind yourself to not take it personally.
The mistake doesn’t mean you’re not a fantastic person for trying to make your school community a better place.
Just keep trying to do the best you can. Ultimately, that’s really you can ask of yourself!
Need a reminder of your awesomeness?
These pop up cards are a nice to have on hand for the next time you need a reminder of just how awesome you are!
Watch this!
Over to you!
Don’t let getting started as PTO leader be so overwhelming!
Keep the points of this article in mind:
1. Check your ego and don’t take things personally.
2. Get organized. You’ll thank your future self for it.
3. Be prepared to make a mistake but don’t forget you’re awesome wonderfully awesome human for stepping up when so many others can’t or won’t.
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