A few years ago, I was asked to be the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) president of my children’s elementary school, but I declined, promising to donate cupcakes, work in my child’s classroom, and go on any field trip where I was needed.
Let the PTO groupies do their thing, and I’ll do mine. I won’t complain too loudly about cookie dough fund-raisers. After all, don’t complain about something you have no intention of helping with or fixing. I was that sensible.
Before the end of that school year, once again, I was asked to serve as president. They had all the other positions filled. My part would be to manage an already functioning school board. I knew a functioning school board would blow up the minute a stranger stepped into the leadership position, but I accepted anyway. After all, no one wanted to do this. I needed to take a turn.
That year, I learned a great deal about community service. The PTO board didn’t blow up with me at the helm. That PTO board taught me life lessons I pull from daily. I was reminded of the fact I wasn’t the only busy person on the planet. I discovered cookie dough fund-raisers were the only way my child had a computer in the classroom.
Furthermore, I was surprised to learn only 10 percent of the population takes the time to answer surveys to help guide the people making decisions for them. I was surprised at how 10 percent of the group would make decisions for the remaining 90 percent, and then watch that 90 percent complain about the outcome. I soon realized that out of the 10 percent who spoke up about issues, only 1 percent was willing to involve themselves to make a change. These percentages aren’t dead-on accurate, but you get my drift.
As I was granted the privilege of entering the lives of the families at my school, I found my interest in my community increase. I became appreciative of the network and support a community brings to a family. I needed the diversity of these people in the lives of my children.
I look at the upcoming elections for our community. I see giant signs popping up on street corners everywhere. I see photos of nice, pleasant people asking for me to vote for them. I see loud, angry signs discrediting other signs. Who’s telling the truth? Who do I trust to make decisions that affect my family and me? I am not going to let 10 percent of my community make the decisions for my family without me having a voice in my future.
This is bigger than cookie dough sales. I am glad there are political signs, angry and friendly. Join me, read the political yard signs, and check the websites of the candidates. Then, make an educated vote for our community.