Planning the Caper

Do you remember my post about volunteering for T-ball? It was one of those situations where none of the 12 sets of parents wanted to be coach, so I stepped up (otherwise, would the kids have even had a chance to play?).

So, each year our elementary school has a carnival fundraiser. It's a huge, fun production. Hmmm. Who would be willing to be in charge of the whole thing?

Let's just move on- I know you figured out that I agreed to do it, and now there are only a few months until the big day. Not everyone in my family is glad that I am giving away my precious time to the cause, let's just say, but I'm going to throw in the wisdom that being involved in PTA, even if I have to go to a meeting each month, takes up a heck of a lot less time than homeschooling. I still feel like I'm getting off easy, here.

The good news is, if I do a good job delegating, I won't have to actually DO anything (almost) other than delegate :) I'm in the midst of making sure each class has a parent representative to help the class get their booth/game ready for the big day. Not all of the people I called were responsive...like this one.

Me: "blah blah blah...and so, are you willing to be the parent from Ms. Teacher's class to help the class get the booth decorated and staffed for the Caper?"

Parent: "Well, I'm not sure I can help. I might be busy."

Me: "The good news is, you have a few months, and you can work with the kids on your schedule. Also, YOU don't have to staff or decorate the booth, just find parents from Teacher's class to commit to take shifts. Anytime you're busy, you can delegate to others in the class. You definitely won't be alone on this."

Parent: "Well, I don't want to have to call people to ask them to help. I'm just not confident that anyone would be willing to volunteer. I think I better pass on being involved."

Golly gosh! Is that a self-fulfilling prophecy or what!? If you think no one will volunteer, it's because YOU might be the type to sit back and let others do it. The good news is, I found several positive-minded parents who are happy to get involved. Our school earns many thousand dollars with this event...it's our PTA's financial lifeline. So come on over and have some fun! (bring your wallet) It's going to be amazing (because of or in spite of my managing skills?).