How do you become a good and effective PTA leader?
1. Start by acknowledging the good work that’s already been done.
2. Figure out how things work before you start implementing change.
3..Ask other officers and volunteers what they think – the team is better if all members are involved in decision-making.
4. Communicate your expectations (let others know what you want from them) and listen to what expectations they have.
5. Motivate the other team members to do the best job possible.
6. Be a leader and let the others on the board handle their own duties and responsibilities.
7. If someone seems to be struggling with a position, meet and discuss what can be done to help.
8. “Walk the Walk” - Do what you say you’ll do; respect the opinions of others; be honest; show gratitude; and recognize good work.
9. Take responsibility – acknowledge if an error has been made. Make certain that responsibilities are clearly outlined and that each person is doing his or her share.
10. Keep the communications channels open at all times and in all directions (among administrators, teachers and staff, parents and volunteers, and PTA officers). A strong team is an informed team.
Leadership Services Commission,
From The Communicator, July 2009.
Keep Your Meetings on track and on time with a good agenda!
Prepare the agenda for your meeting ahead of time, and provide copies to the secretary and parliamentarian. Below is a Sample Agenda. You can also find a more detailed sample agenda on page 35 and 36 of your Toolkit.
ABC School PTA
Date of Meeting
Meeting Location and Time
1. Call to order (Rap the gavel once. Stand while addressing the general body, but the chair may sit while minutes are being read and reports are being given.)
2. Pledge of Allegiance (if held in a public facility)
3. Inspiration (optional)
4. Approval of minutes (either posted or read). Ask, “Are there any corrections?” No motion necessary.
5. Financial Reports
a. Treasurer (No motion necessary, report filed for audit.)
b. Financial Secretary (No motion necessary, report filed for audit.)
c. Semi-Annual Audit (Motion needed to adopt the audit report.)
d. Bills to be paid or ratified (Motions needed to pay or ratify.)
6. Report of Executive Board (Secretary reads summary report, moves adoption of each recommendation.)
7. Committee Reports (Officers, chairmen, principal, faculty representative, student representative; motions needed to adopt all recommendations.)
8. Unfinished Business (Items left on the agenda at the last meeting and any items postponed from the last meeting.)
9. New Business (New items of business and items that have no action pending.)
10. Program Say, “The program committee (or chair) will introduce the program.”
11. Announcements (Be prepared with next meeting date and programs or events.)
12. Adjournment (Rap gavel once. No motion is necessary. )
Tips for Chairing a Meeting:
The attitude of the president sets the tone for accepting everyone at the meeting. Attitude “messages” are sent in nonverbal ways:
¨ How the president stands and holds his/her head.
¨ The Tone of voice used; and
¨ Facial expressions and gestures.
Encourage PTA board members not to sit together but to scatter among the audience.
Look at everyone, not just those who are known to you or who are friends.
Keep a calm voice, even when being questioned or challenged.
Face straight ahead and make sure not to turn away from any part of the audience.
Be careful using humor. What one person may think is funny might offend another. Even innocent teasing between friends might be overheard by others and misunderstood.
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