Well, elections are taking place this month in your units and council. Please make sure follow the procedures written in your toolkit and bylaws for the election meeting.

Now, what do you do when someone on your board subtly undermines you with sniping jokes or sarcastic comments? You can feel the tension around you. You know what they know -- you've been undermined.

What's really happening? Possibly your board member feels unappreciated. For example: "She thinks it's her leadership that got our PTA that award. But where would we be if I hadn't come up with that program? We got that award because of me." Your board member may feel he/she should have your job. Don't spend a lot of time trying to figure out why this undermining behavior is occurring. The reason doesn't really matter. What matters is how you act and that you act quickly. When you have been the undermined, follow the strategy that maintains your leadership standing in front of your board and curbs future comments:

• Show that you won't stand for being put down. When a sniping joke or comment is made, stay calm and let everyone know you are open to discussion of legitimate criticisms.
• Keep your tone light--and your message crystal clear. Turn the tables and ask your attacker to please be more specific. If he/she comes back with specific, valid complaints, don't be defensive. Respond factually.
• Talk to your underminer privately. Use a light, good-humored tone but let him/her know two things: while you enjoy a joke as much as the next person, you feel his sarcasm crossed the line, and that you were offended and would appreciate him/her not making those kind of remarks again.

  Next, ask if you have done anything to offend him/her. This question may put the other person on the defensive but it is also possible he/she will tell you what is really bothering him/her, giving you BOTH the chance to achieve resolution.

I hope this information is helpful to you and your board. I look forward to seeing you at the March 14 council meeting.

-Karen Kirby (a.k.a. "Kirby Mamma"), president@svpta.org

WHAT TO BRING TO THE MARCH 14 COUNCIL MEETING

• Two (2) copies of the Historian's Annual Report (volunteer hours through June 30)
• Two (2) copies of Audit Reports (that are still outstanding)
• Any PTA membership dues before April 1, 2002 increase
• Fourth District PTA Awards Applications

Now is the time for all PTAs to start planning membership growth for the next year. At a time when competition for members is crucial, having a creative recruitment plan is very important.

One of the best recruitment tools is the art of retention. Retaining members is a lot easier and more cost-effective than recruiting new members.

By treating your members as important individuals you will gain the confidence and loyalty of people who want to continue to support PTA's efforts. PTAs with high parent involvement are usually those that have not only active parent involvement programs but also a high level of communication with their members.

Fill your newsletters with useful information for your members. Explain what is happening in your state concerning education. Let your members know about the activities of National PTA. Share success stories from local PTAs. Thank businesses and collaborative organizations.

Update your website on a regular basis if possible. Mention your website in hard copy newsletters so that new members are aware of this tool. Offer electronic newsletters to members who have Internet access. An electronic newsletter is an excellent opportunity to keep members in the loop and is also a cost-effective way to communicate.

Use the personal touch with your local PTAs-send a short, general note asking, "How are we doing?" "What needs do you have?" This gesture shows that you care and are interested in what they have to say. Be sure to follow up in a timely manner to any concerns or questions that have been expressed. When sending the note, why not include a stamped, addressed envelope for their convenience.

The same philosophy can work for your local PTAs. Encourage local PTA leaders to send each of their new members a note asking, "How are you enjoying your membership?" between five and eight months after joining.

Don't forget about the student members. Keeping students involved may seem like a monumental task, but it can be done quite easily. Avoid segregating student members. Students should be full members, accepting full membership and responsibility, enjoying their privileges, and paying dues to the extent that the law allows. Refer to your state laws regarding specific requirements for determining qualifications of persons for election as officers of PTA organizations.

Implement a student support system in which veteran students and adult members provide new student members with encouragement, motivation, and direction for growth. Also, provide students with the means to evaluate their PTA experience. Doing this through written evaluations or group discussions is beneficial in addressing student concerns.

from the National PTA "The Membership Exchange", July/August 2001

ONSITE REGISTRATION AT CONVENTION - you are required to present a valid 2001-2002 Pta membership card. If your unit is sending last-minute attendees or delegates, be sure they have a card. If not, send them to your unit Membership chairman. Last but not least, if the unit chair doesn't have extra cards, please have them call Kathy Robinson at 951-5787.