When it comes to being involved in your child’s school, the first rule for any PTA president is this: never fully disclose what volunteering really entails. As someone who has emerged from the trenches of the PTA, I can assure you that optimism is a must. Otherwise, who would willingly take on a thankless, unpaid role that often leads to half the parents loving you and the other half dodging you like you’re a pop quiz?
Volunteering can be a big time commitment that sometimes breeds resentment. Your PTA president certainly knew this, but when she asked you to head up the annual Spring Fling or join the book fair committee, she was in desperate need of help. Without you, she’d be left to tackle the decorations alone.
So, what does volunteering at your kid’s school really look like?
The Beast: The Annual Fundraiser
Every school has that one major fundraising event each year. Expect a committee of 15 to 20 people, leading to “Reply All” email chains that could rival a novel in length. The committee will likely be filled with former event planners, each determined to outdo the last year’s extravaganza (meaning more work for you). By the time the event arrives, it’s likely that committee members will be avoiding each other in the hallways, and half of them will swear off volunteering forever. If your idea of a good time involves a theme of “Who cares?” this probably isn’t the place for you.
The Introvert’s Dream: Room Parent
The title “Room Parent” sounds prestigious, but the reality is mostly forwarding pre-written emails from the school to your child’s classmates’ parents. It may seem like an easy gig, until you find yourself fielding 30 emails filled with questions you can’t answer. By the end of the year, you’ll introduce yourself as “I don’t know” and vow never to take on such a “breezy” role again.
For the Crafty: The School Carnival
Most schools host a carnival at least once a year, and guess who gets to make it happen? That’s right—you. If you’re crafty, good with a jigsaw, and not afraid of a little sunburn, then this committee might be your jam. Just remember, even though everyone signed up for a shift, you’ll likely be one of the few who actually shows up. Plus, someone has to take the plunge into that dunk tank—oh wait, that was your idea!
For SUV Owners: The Green Committee
There’s always a group of parents passionate about making the school eco-friendly, pushing for no-paper policies and waste-free lunches. Great ideas, sure! But considering most parents drive SUVs that could use their own zip codes, the greening initiative might need to start in the parking lot.
The Do-Gooders: The Community Service Committee
Your first meeting will fill you with hope and purpose—until you realize several committee members have given you the finger in the school parking lot at least once.
The Invisible People: The Annual Fund Committee
Whether your child attends a public or private school, expect a continual need for funds. You’ll join the fundraising committee with good intentions, only to find that no one at school will make eye contact with you again.
The One-Night Stand Committee: The Book Fair
Yes, you’ll have to lug hundreds of books into the auditorium, organize them, and run the fair for a couple of days. But hey, it’s only once a year! You’ll be a volunteer hero without the year-long commitment. Boom!
Let’s Hope You Can Cook: Teacher Appreciation Committee
Let’s face it—teachers spend more time with our kids than we do. So, what better way to show appreciation than by hosting a lunch for them with no budget? Fingers crossed you’re a whiz in the kitchen for 60 or so hard-working educators.
Fortunately, my kids’ school has a straightforward PTA president who tells it like it is. While I’m not quite ready to chair the big school picnic, I do feel happy to help out. So, which committee will you join? If you want to explore more about home insemination, you might find our other blog posts helpful, like this one on intra-cervical insemination. For more information about artificial insemination, check out Baby Maker, an authority on the subject. And if you’re curious about the process of IVF, this Wikipedia link is an excellent resource.
In summary, volunteering at your child’s school can be rewarding but also comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you choose to tackle a big fundraiser, manage a book fair, or support a community service committee, prepare for a journey filled with ups and downs, and lots of laughs along the way.