It's That Warm-and-Fuzzy Feeling!

I am enjoying the rare opportunity to do what I want for as long as I like. Katie and James have gone to see grandma for the weekend! So many things to choose from! I could go to the gym, watch a movie, read a book, clean the house—which is desperately needed, or go shopping. I don’t have to please anyone but me. The funny thing is, my choice is to work on some of the things I need to do for the PTA. Why is that? What is so compelling about this organization?

I often hear myself saying “I’ve become my mother!” She too was very active in my school’s parent association when I was a kid. At the time I didn’t think anything of it. It just was. Then, as a young, childless adult, I took great pleasure in making fun of the PTA moms. Next, my career took over and I just didn’t have time to joke about, let alone think about, what I could be doing to help in my community. Then, I had Katie… and everything changed! Now, I can’t imagine not making the time to help.

I have to acknowledge that I enjoy the luxury of not working fulltime outside the home. Indeed, my parttime work is in the school system. So, my mind is firmly grounded in the world of education. But even so… there is something about “working together to enhance the educational experience of our children” that is very appealing. I feel like I am making a difference. When I look at all the things the PTA does, I realize that as a group we are certainly making a difference. Imagine the school without: after school programs; scholarships for kids-in-need to attend those after shool programs; math superstars; the school assembly series; or GRACE Art. And then there are all the big events: Bingo Night, the carnival, the silent auction… they are not just about raising money, they also help to promote a great sense of community in the school—they are fun!

So, I guess the answer to my question is “it feels good!” You can get addicted to being a part of the PTA because of the warm-and-fuzzy feeling you constantly have from knowing that what you are doing matters. So, join in! You’ll find plenty of things that need to be done. You don’t even need to go to the school if you don’t want to. Many things can be done at home. Just send someone an email and get started. You deserve that warm-and-fuzzy feeling too!