Dear P.T.A.,
I am an active participant in my child’s education and I take the responsibility very seriously. I understand schools are hurting and I understand the need for parental support more than ever. I also understand that as a working mother I am unable to make your weekly Tuesday 9:00 a.m. meetings.
The day my joining the P.T.A. became a homework assignment was the day I decided not to join. While I believe the P.T.A. is vital to the success of every school, I also believe in the merits of extending an invitation rather than strong-arming parents.
I will continue to support the P.T.A. this year as in years past as a non-member. I will participate in every skate night, family fun night, night out, fundraiser and bake sale you can organize.
You need participation? You need me to sell something? You need me to buy something? I’m your parent, your non-member parent.
Thank you for all you do in support of our schools. Even we non-members can recognize and appreciate your hard work and dedication.
Kindest Regards,
Mommyfriend Lori
MOMMYFRIEND 
You said it Mama! We obviously care about our children but the greatest gift we can give ourselves is knowing when to say when…and to the PTA, I say WHEN!
Thanks for making me feel better about being a participating non-member parent! We do what we can, and we can do without the guilt trips for not being the head of every committee. (I think we moms give ourselves enough guilt on our own, don’t we?) Here’s to being active in our children’s education – in the best way we can!
Good for you mama!!
I’m just entering the world of school, as in preschool. Already the school is asking for volunteers for various activites. Do they not know I must work in order to even pay for tuition? I’m trying to offer support in other ways.
I’m with you. I may be a stay at home mom, but I also do a lot of stuff for church and don’t always want to add more to my plate. I also contribute by being on the school board, and help out with class when needed and all the fund raising. Strong arming parents is wrong. They’ve tried it with me. And sorry, not ready to join you yet. 😉
Well said! Good for you! 🙂