Running your PTA

“ If you ’ d told me , six years ago , that I ’ d join our school PTFA and go on to become Chair , for five years , I ’ d have told you to get lost – in the nicest possible way of course !

I never planned on becoming a Chair – or in joining our school ’ s PTFA – until the Headteacher cornered me in the playground one morning and asked me to attend a forthcoming meeting . At the time I was a stay-at-home mum , having given up work after having children , so I thought I may as well pop along , it might be fun . The reality was anything but fun , as everyone – apart from the Head – ignored me . But , despite it not being the friendliest of groups , I persevered . The opportunity to create lasting memories for children and the learning opportunities created through the PTA ’ s additional funding really appealed to me . Plus , I really like organising things !

Within a year I was Co-Chair and the summer after , Chair . I did everything I could to make the PTFA a welcoming , inclusive group and before long , it was . The committee changed , new members joined , and we became great friends . Becoming Chair proved a great way to meet people , especially as a stay-athome mum . And I haven ’ t just gained friends , but new skills too . I ’ ve become a whizz at event management and have learned how to use tools like Canva , not to mention knowledge of legal aspects like constitutions and GDPR . I knew it stood me in good stead when I applied for a job – the skills used to run a PTA are extremely transferable .

That said , it does come with challenges and for me , the biggest was the conflict in priorities . As a Chair , you need to balance being a parent with running a charity . You ’ re part of the school community , so you want what ’ s best for your child , but you need to have the charity ’ s best interest at heart . You are constrained by the constitution and sometimes you have to say no to funding requests even if you think they would be great .”

Techy tip : ‘ Broadcast ’ via WhatsApp !

The ‘ broadcast ’ function on WhatsApp enables you to send messages to a large group of people , without having to use a group chat . Recipients can respond and ask questions , but these come to you as a private chat rather than posting to the whole group .

Dispel the myth that the Chair does everything ! While they are responsible for overseeing the PTA and ensuring its activities are successful , they collaborate with other members of the committee and delegate responsibility .

Create a realistic plan for the year , with goals , events and timelines . Regularly communicate where you ’ re at to ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives .

Use technology – like social media , project management software or online scheduling tools to make communication and coordination easier .

If you ’ re a new Chair , learn from other people who may have more experience than you . Be open to feedback and suggestions and adapt your approach as needed .

Recognise successes ! Amidst all the chaos it ’ s hard to see the impact you are having . Stop , take stock and reflect – you will see you really are making a difference to the school , community and the pupils ' education .

Be kind to yourself . You can ’ t do everything , and you can ’ t know everything – and breathe !

Photo : istock

PARENTKIND . ORG AUTUMN 2023 13