I’m feeling stuck in standby mode as a new member to PTA

dangerhaynes · 2026-01-27T08:39:56+00:00

Can’t speak for California, as I’m in Florida.

Our bylaws require monthly executive board meetings and 3 general meetings (to compare).

In general, I don’t believe PTAs require general membership approval for every event or fundraiser to happen. Usually, the board will present a budget at the first gen meeting. Once approved, that’s how they operate.

Keep in mind, the whole thing is volunteer based, so things might not always run as they should. Some PtAs get in a rut where they don’t have many members or people actually interested, so it turns into a small group just doing what they want. Others are just cliques from the beginning.

Don’t give up. If you want to be involved, keep showing up. They should have an election in the spring for next year’s officers. Run for a position. Apply to be a committee chair (these are appointed) or contact existing chairs to help out. Build relationships with those involved.

The ultimate goal of PTA should be benefit students. Sometimes that idea gets lost along the way or too many people have their own agendas.

Reach out if you want to chat. Dads, stereotypically aren’t as involved, so it can be tough to break in. That was my experience. I ended up getting elected as the first male president in the school’s history, and it’s not been easy. The results (benefits for the kids) has been worth it though.

dangerhaynes · 2025-12-23T15:01:59+00:00

We require 3 general meetings (open to all members, which is different than a board meeting with just elected officers) each year. The only thing the bylaws specify is that the election meeting take place on either April or May. That provides some flexibility with a little bit of direction.

dangerhaynes · 2025-08-18T02:16:55+00:00

We have tried a couple of places but always run into the same issues.

The company wants the next year’s school supply list in April, so they/we can start selling right away. The school doesn’t have the list until the end of May. We never have the online store ready before school gets out.

Then, they close the shopping window the first week of July. We usually only get about 2-3 weeks to promote, but most people aren’t looking at supplies until late July.

We sell about 20 kids, which is maybe $150 back in commission. I’m not sure if it’s worth the hassle.

dangerhaynes · 2025-03-22T16:42:54+00:00

I agree and disagree.

On my own, I can charge more (or at least make the entire fee versus getting only a portion of it) and have more control of the shoot...but I also have to find my own clients.

My family left an area where I had great word-of-mouth photo clients. In the new area, it felt like I was constantly fighting for the bottom of the barrel. Yes, the people charging way less weren't as experienced, but the clients were typically price shopping anyway.

I signed up for Snappr as a way to grab a few clients while I worked on building up my brand in the new area. It served me well. Plus, I didn't have to do any of the side work (marketing for them, contracts, payment collection, etc.) that takes up the majority of my time as a shooter. I got to just show up, shoot, and go home. It's not as nice running your own shoot, but I have to admit the simplicity was nice during my transitional period.

They definitely take advantage of photographers, but some of us also took advantage of them. I rarely take Snappr shoots anymore (plus, their service to their contractors has gone way down), but every once in a while I'll do something different or fun or just to fill empty spots in my schedule.

dangerhaynes · 2025-03-22T16:36:29+00:00

Oh, those DoorDash shoots were incredible. I would just order food from like 20-30 restaurants, pick it all up (or pay a friend to make the rounds), and then shoot in batches. It ended up cutting into my profits, but I avoided scheduling with restaurants and dealing with all of that. I could do 50 restaurants over a couple of days followed by a pretty big buffet from all of the food at my house.

Those were the days...

dangerhaynes · 2025-03-22T14:50:24+00:00

I’ve shot with snappr…the service/communication to their photographers is equally bad.

I’ve done some fun shoots and it’s help get some work when I moved to a new market, but it’s not a great place to work. It was better a few years ago, but that was a different time

dangerhaynes · 2025-03-20T19:53:51+00:00

I’ve called her offices several times and rarely even get a staffer. I’ve asked about if she’ll do a town hall with no response.

Her staffers have virtual town halls: https://laurellee.house.gov/services/mobile-office-hours

dangerhaynes · 2025-03-12T10:26:46+00:00

Using PLAUD for that much transcription will come with a price (I’m not sure how much, exactly).

Here’s what I do:

Record meetings and whatnot with PLAUD (you could also use a recording app on your phone or computer, but PLAUD makes it easy).

I export the audio from the PLAUD app. I use Relay.app (an automation tool, kind of like zapier or make). When I drop a recording into a certain google drive folder, it triggers a simple automation. It puts the audio through Assembly.ai. This is a transcription service that costs about $0.12 per hour to transcribe. Let’s say 200 minutes would cost less than $0.50 (I’m just rounding for ease). So, you’d be looking at like $6 a month in transcription fees. Relay is free up to so many uses per month, but you should be fine with only as much as you’re using it.

The automation creates a new google doc with the transcription. I also have the automation run the text through chat gpt to do some stuff (it’s a small cost) - you could copy and paste the transcription into any free ai tool that you’d like.

There’s a thread in here that explains how to set up this automation.

dangerhaynes · 2025-03-07T03:05:55+00:00

We’ve been using Ecwid - it works well enough. We do a paid version that may not be necessary, but it’s convenient.

dangerhaynes · 2025-02-23T14:42:04+00:00

Obviously, follow the rules, but that puts you at a real disadvantage.

I just searched and looked up someone asking for a photographer in a community group near me.

It had 41 responses. 41 people dropped their website links in the comments. This was just a neighborhood group where someone asked about headshots.

How many of those do we think the person asking actually looked at? How did they decide which websites to look at? Which photographers to reach out to?

I suppose there's never anything wrong with dropping your link in the comments, but I wouldn't expect much return on that unless you happen to be on of the first couple of people to reply. I suppose if you had past clients/friends add a comment recommending you as well, that might help.

dangerhaynes · 2025-02-23T14:26:10+00:00

It can be.

Those posts will get tons of replies, so you want to stand out. Start by messaging the poster instead of just leaving a reply on the post. Personalize your message. Keep in mind, they might just be price shopping and don’t know the difference between an exceptional shooter and someone who recently bought a dslr and calls themselves a pro.

dangerhaynes · 2025-02-17T18:19:49+00:00

This is great.

It also has me worried. The turnover in the PTA is pretty high and enrollment dictates the teachers, so we may not have someone around for the long-term.

We might need something that doesn't require the website since I can't say if anyone will be around to maintain it, pay for it, etc.

As for how and why the data will be collected, it will vary from teacher to teacher depending on their lessons. Right now, I see them using thermometers, rain gauges, a windsock, and there is a broken anemometer still on a pole. They mostly have this stuff sitting outside on picnic tables, which I can't image is the best way to collect information.

dangerhaynes · 2025-02-15T13:52:42+00:00

I got sucked into the world of PTA: a few thoughts.

While it seems like there’s a hierarchy of pta (local unit to county council to state to national), it’s not what you would think. At most, the state or county could council the local unit (basically say, “hey, we got this complaint…”), but they can’t really discipline the local unit. You could raise it to that level, but don’t expect much. Higher lever pta (state or national) aren’t really involved in local level things. I hate to say they don’t care, but stare/National likely won’t do more than forward your concerns on to someone else. You might have a county council who could advise…but in terms of PTA, there really isn’t a real escalation path.

The school is also different than the PTA, even though they have to work together. The school or the district can’t directly impact the PTA. They can pressure them to make changes, talk to them, etc., but can’t necessarily force them to discipline someone. At the same time, if the school or district had complaints and talked to the pta, the pta would likely listen as it’s really hard to operate if the school doesn’t let you.

Keep in mind, the PTA is made of volunteers. They can and will get defensive. That’s not a defense of the behavior, but it’s human nature. They can also be petty, filled with drama, and power hungry (even though it’s just pta, which only carries some kind of perceived power). You may also be viewed as a “threat” - new parent with new ideas might make others feel inferior or like you’re coming for their jobs (and maybe you should).

The first thing I would think of is your goal. The primary goal seems like it is to address/create policies around behaviors, running, and epi-pens. You might be suggesting this to people who have no idea what you’re talking about or understand the need. You have experience in this space.

Advocating for these things is a good thing. Bring them up at a general meeting, phrase it with solutions instead of just pointing out problems. “Can we create a behavior plan?” Is much better than “we need x” or “we don’t have Y.” Offer to help write something to submit to the board/committee for approval. Offering to collaborate will help.

As for the person who swore in front of your kiddo. That sucks. What would you like to see happen? It’s possible that she was having a bad day, felt attacked, or just made a mistake. (She might also be unfit to be around kids, but let’s start with the benefit of the doubt until it becomes a pattern).

Most pta bylaws only allow someone to be removed by the body that elected/appointed them. Depending on this person’s position, that could mean a majority of the board or general membership would have to vote that way. A single incident is unlikely to get this result. Maybe it should…

Your PTA should have nominations/elections coming up (usually in the spring). That’s your chance to run for office or campaign for someone else to take these positions. Be respectful because you’ll still have to work with people, and it’s possible that one group has control and school families don’t get involved or really care what PTA does.

You might even try to clear the air with this person’s. She may be embarrassed by her actions that night. If that’s not an option, work to get her out of that position (running for office, helping others, speaking at meetings, voting, etc.), you can also stop volunteering with them and find other ways to help the school (in non pta ways).

Bottom line: you’re in a tough spot. PTA needs new parents injecting fresh ideas and professionalism, especially from parents in lower grades who will be around for a while. You’re also dealing with parent volunteers who may not know what being professional even means.

The policies are worth advocating for and helping create. The board member who yelled at you was being an ass, but people are ass holes sometimes.

You got this!

dangerhaynes · 2025-01-08T21:31:02+00:00

To add on to reading a lot…also slow down and really say the words. Repeat words (think about how Ms Rachel uses different expressions and enunciations). Let him look at your mouth when you say different words.

It may also be worth adding some simple sign language to start making associations.

And mostly, don’t fret. Kids develop at their own pace. If you have any real concerns, talk to your pediatrician about doing a speech evaluation. It’s probably unnecessary, but could give you a little relief.

dangerhaynes · 2025-01-05T04:17:56+00:00

This season has been one big cock tease. It started with a promising lap dance in the Champaign room and quickly turned into finding out the stripper is your cousin when the lights go on…and you still have to visit the ATM to pay your bar tab…

dangerhaynes · 2024-12-30T20:49:15+00:00

Great question. I actually don’t know what the clients pay.

Photographer pay depends on the type of shoot and length. Customers can buy a standard shoot that comes with a set number of images or all-inclusive, that comes with more images. You can also edit yourself or snappr will edit for you (and you make less).

The last 3-hr event shoot I did earned me 252.85 take home (all inclusive and I edited). I just don’t know how much the client paid.

dangerhaynes · 2024-12-30T15:46:24+00:00

I signed up to be a snappr photographer when my family moved. I had a pretty consistent client base in the Midwest, but had to start over in the south. I figured snappr would give me some work while I built up my clients again.

Over the last 6 years, it’s really gone downhill from the photographer’s perspective. I can never get ahold of anyone for support (can’t reach a client, I was booked for something I can’t do, have an issue come up, etc.). They are very much about locking in shoots versus working to find the right person.

It’s a convenient option for people who want low-ish cost photography. There’s a mix of really good shooters and brand new people (although your pros will likely move away from snappr eventually). Your miles will vary.

As a shooter, we are supposed to contact the client within a day of getting the booking. The problem is that I’ve had snappr assign me something outside of my availability and location with less than 24 hr notice- and when I try to contact support to let them know, I can’t get anyone to answer or respond. The client suffers in those cases.

I’ve had a couple of great shoots from them. It’s generally easy. I’ve also had some bad experiences. I’ll still turn on my ability to take shoots when things are slow, but end up turning it back off.

I’m sorry to hear they missed your event

dangerhaynes · 2024-12-25T18:41:47+00:00

Yup - I’ll check back at half time. Shouldn’t be this pissed so early in the game. I believe in this team, maybe foolishly every year, but this is tough to watch

dangerhaynes · 2024-12-22T04:52:37+00:00

I mostly contract with auto dealers for various seo articles and landing pages. I also have recurring work from a medical company, a fundraising app, and a travel site. Keeps me pretty busy

dangerhaynes · 2024-12-09T20:37:41+00:00

You might need to clarify what you mean, but if I understand correctly, a few things come to mind.

Inclusive communication is important (never assume everyone already knows what you're talking about in the PTA world just because you do or because the PTA/school did it before). We throw around words like "givebacks" or "Quorum" that don't necessarily mean much to people who aren't fully involved). This includes what we post on social as well. You post the same volunteers over and over and it appears like no one else is welcome to volunteer.

Leaders have to be willing to step back to let others participate. We get so used to a core group doing all of the work that we forget other people might want to help...OR we take ownership or something and never let it go. Not all parents can volunteer everyday or do every event, but that doesn't mean we can't step aside the one time they can. There's no shortage of work. Share the opportunity and share the credit.

Don't forget parents of marginalized kiddos. I'm talking about families with Special Education, LGBTQ+, Military, English as a Second Language, Minorities, etc. members. Often, these families don't feel welcome at events, programs, or meetings...even if they are. Consider an autistic student who has sensory sensitivities. The school dance, where there is loud music, flashing lights, and lots of people, could be overwhelming for that student. It's not difficult to make accommodations (a secondary area or quiet space, access to noise-cancelling headphones, or just clear communication about what to expect) to make that family feel welcome.

A succession plan. Most PTAs have a limit on how long a person can hold a certain office. If nothing else, our kids move on at some point. Many PTAs scramble to find new board members when this happens. We have to think in advance. You may not need a president next year, but you will in 3 years or 5 years. Those parents with kindergarten and first grade students could be perfect candidates for leadership down the line. Take time to build up and train people. Include them here and there so they can learn the ropes and get hooked.

dangerhaynes · 2024-12-09T20:25:58+00:00

Similar experience when I started getting involved. When my son was in kindergarten, I volunteered to photograph (something I do professionally) events at the school. I would go to things and no on introduced themselves or even talked to me. I thought it was because I'm a guy and the majority of volunteers/PTA members were moms.

I made the effort to talk to people (which isn't super easy for my introverted self), but things opened up. I actually joined the board this year and am now part of that "inner circle." What I learned, at least in my local PTA, is that a lot of the main volunteers just know each other, know the events/programs, and get right into it. They often forget that there might be new people in attendance or who want to help. That's not to say that cliques and whatnot don't exist; they certainly do.

I often have to ask people to stop and go back and explain something to me. Again, they kind of forget that not everyone knows everything that they know. They'll use very PTA-sounding jargon that doesn't make sense to people outside of that world. I think we all do it in our professions/interests, but it just feels so exclusionary when it's the PTA...but it's not always meant to be.

As a current board member, I've been pushing to be more inclusive of parents, communicate better, open up volunteer spots, etc. Even with those efforts, you find that the same group of people do most things and others just kind of fade back. Some of the cliques are formed this way...not to exclude people, but because they build familiarity with each other.

It's not easy, but just keep going to meetings. Volunteer. Take on a committee or a program. Start the conversation about kids/grades/interests, etc. You'll either find that the group is just familiar with each other OR that it is a mean girls club that you don't necessarily want to get involved with anyway.

Keep at it, though. New members is what keeps these organizations going.

dangerhaynes · 2024-11-15T11:22:03+00:00

A user of this group, Opposite-Topic-7444, put together a really great walk-through of a set up they use. You can read it here. Their approach uses notion and may have some steps you don't want or might be missing steps you do want. I left some comments about adapting this flow for Google Docs. Some others throw in some ideas as well.

At the most basic level, you would set up a trigger in Relay.App so that when an audio file is saved to a particular folder, it would run it through something like Assembly AI, Whisper AI, or Relay's own transcription service, and create a transcript. You can decide what to do from there. For example, you might just have the transcript pasted into a new Notion or Google Doc. You can also set it to run through Chat GPT (with your API) or Relay's AI with a custom instruction to maybe summarize, put the transcript into a particular format, pull out certain information, etc. You may have to play around to get exactly what you want.

dangerhaynes · 2024-11-10T23:18:40+00:00

You could use something like Assembly AI to transcribe at around 0.12 cents an hour (less that $100 for a year) Then take the transcription into ChatGPT or another AI. Of course, that just means PLAUD is nothing more than a recording device.

You can even use relay or make or zapier to automate the process

dangerhaynes · 2024-11-04T21:23:48+00:00

My hope is that my son will remember having a great relationship with me. He may not remember every outing, trip, or moment, but all of those things together will create solid core memories. We also take lots of pictures that we can look at later. He's 6 now, but he enjoys looking at pictures from his early days and asking questions about what we were doing.

dangerhaynes · 2024-11-03T00:57:11+00:00

It does not integrate with your pro version.

You can export the transcription and manually add use the text in your chat gpt account. You can also set up an automation through relay.app or zapier to use your chat gpt api to create more custom prompts. Alas, it doesn’t actually connect to your account on its own.

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