Janney PTA Guerrilla Tactics!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a reality check - don't hold back. Below is the intro to an email from the Janney PTA - I think there have been two similar emails earlier in the school year. This aggressive badgering of parents started last year and I decided that I was not going to give a dime because I hate this approach and do not want to encourage it. At this point I am prepared to send an email to the PTA Presidents and the Principal (I love her) voicing my displeasure at being harassed and shamed into making what is a VOLUNTARY donation. What am I missing? Am I wrong here? Just the fact that they track families is disturbing to me!


"Hi friends!
We have just 145 families who have not yet made a tax-deductible donation to Janney’s Student Support Fund (yep- that’s you guys!). Please know that we appreciate & recognize the many contributions you all make to our school on a daily basis, but please also know that our DCPS-allocated budget is not enough to cover the basic needs of our school."

This isn't a guerilla tactic, it's just the truth and you don't like it. They aren't shaming anyone -- they are sharing the reality. There are still 145 families who haven't given, you are one of them, and they are hoping that you will join with the rest of community and contribute something to help cover the shortfall between what it costs to provide everything Janney offers to students and what is allotted in the DCPS budget. Nowhere do they belittle you or shame you -- they just state the facts. You can choose to give or to not give, but own your choice and don't blame it on a "guerilla" email.

Guess someone from the PTA leadership found this thread!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On principle, I refuse to donate to my child’s school. Although I can afford it.

What principle is that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a reality check - don't hold back. Below is the intro to an email from the Janney PTA - I think there have been two similar emails earlier in the school year. This aggressive badgering of parents started last year and I decided that I was not going to give a dime because I hate this approach and do not want to encourage it. At this point I am prepared to send an email to the PTA Presidents and the Principal (I love her) voicing my displeasure at being harassed and shamed into making what is a VOLUNTARY donation. What am I missing? Am I wrong here? Just the fact that they track families is disturbing to me!


"Hi friends!
We have just 145 families who have not yet made a tax-deductible donation to Janney’s Student Support Fund (yep- that’s you guys!). Please know that we appreciate & recognize the many contributions you all make to our school on a daily basis, but please also know that our DCPS-allocated budget is not enough to cover the basic needs of our school."

Reality check: I find it difficult to believe that 145 Janney families are poor enough that they cannot afford to contribute something to support the school where their kids get excellent and free education.

[Anonymous]

How much are they asking for? Per family or kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
At our school, there are appeals but they don't guilt or single people out. Instead, an email goes to everyone saying something like "we're grateful that 75% of families have contributed to our campaign but and we are hoping to reach 100%. Any amount, no matter how small, will help us reach our goal...."

This is clearly the appropriate way to do this.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a reality check - don't hold back. Below is the intro to an email from the Janney PTA - I think there have been two similar emails earlier in the school year. This aggressive badgering of parents started last year and I decided that I was not going to give a dime because I hate this approach and do not want to encourage it. At this point I am prepared to send an email to the PTA Presidents and the Principal (I love her) voicing my displeasure at being harassed and shamed into making what is a VOLUNTARY donation. What am I missing? Am I wrong here? Just the fact that they track families is disturbing to me!


"Hi friends!
We have just 145 families who have not yet made a tax-deductible donation to Janney’s Student Support Fund (yep- that’s you guys!). Please know that we appreciate & recognize the many contributions you all make to our school on a daily basis, but please also know that our DCPS-allocated budget is not enough to cover the basic needs of our school."

This isn't a guerilla tactic, it's just the truth and you don't like it. They aren't shaming anyone -- they are sharing the reality. There are still 145 families who haven't given, you are one of them, and they are hoping that you will join with the rest of community and contribute something to help cover the shortfall between what it costs to provide everything Janney offers to students and what is allotted in the DCPS budget. Nowhere do they belittle you or shame you -- they just state the facts. You can choose to give or to not give, but own your choice and don't blame it on a "guerilla" email.

It's a pretty obnoxious way to coerce compliance. It ignores the possibility that some families may not be able to donate (or just do not wish to do so). It sets an unfair standard that everyone is expected to donate and those who do not are viewed suspiciously. This is awfully presumptuous, even in well heeled Janney community. I agree with PP that the best approach is to thank those who have participated and encourage everyone help reach a participation goal, knowing that 100% participation is not a reasonable expectation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a reality check - don't hold back. Below is the intro to an email from the Janney PTA - I think there have been two similar emails earlier in the school year. This aggressive badgering of parents started last year and I decided that I was not going to give a dime because I hate this approach and do not want to encourage it. At this point I am prepared to send an email to the PTA Presidents and the Principal (I love her) voicing my displeasure at being harassed and shamed into making what is a VOLUNTARY donation. What am I missing? Am I wrong here? Just the fact that they track families is disturbing to me!


"Hi friends!
We have just 145 families who have not yet made a tax-deductible donation to Janney’s Student Support Fund (yep- that’s you guys!). Please know that we appreciate & recognize the many contributions you all make to our school on a daily basis, but please also know that our DCPS-allocated budget is not enough to cover the basic needs of our school."

This isn't a guerilla tactic, it's just the truth and you don't like it. They aren't shaming anyone -- they are sharing the reality. There are still 145 families who haven't given, you are one of them, and they are hoping that you will join with the rest of community and contribute something to help cover the shortfall between what it costs to provide everything Janney offers to students and what is allotted in the DCPS budget. Nowhere do they belittle you or shame you -- they just state the facts. You can choose to give or to not give, but own your choice and don't blame it on a "guerilla" email.

It's a pretty obnoxious way to coerce compliance. It ignores the possibility that some families may not be able to donate (or just do not wish to do so). It sets an unfair standard that everyone is expected to donate and those who do not are viewed suspiciously. This is awfully presumptuous, even in well heeled Janney community. I agree with PP that the best approach is to thank those who have participated and encourage everyone help reach a participation goal, knowing that 100% participation is not a reasonable expectation.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a reality check - don't hold back. Below is the intro to an email from the Janney PTA - I think there have been two similar emails earlier in the school year. This aggressive badgering of parents started last year and I decided that I was not going to give a dime because I hate this approach and do not want to encourage it. At this point I am prepared to send an email to the PTA Presidents and the Principal (I love her) voicing my displeasure at being harassed and shamed into making what is a VOLUNTARY donation. What am I missing? Am I wrong here? Just the fact that they track families is disturbing to me!


"Hi friends!
We have just 145 families who have not yet made a tax-deductible donation to Janney’s Student Support Fund (yep- that’s you guys!). Please know that we appreciate & recognize the many contributions you all make to our school on a daily basis, but please also know that our DCPS-allocated budget is not enough to cover the basic needs of our school."

This isn't a guerilla tactic, it's just the truth and you don't like it. They aren't shaming anyone -- they are sharing the reality. There are still 145 families who haven't given, you are one of them, and they are hoping that you will join with the rest of community and contribute something to help cover the shortfall between what it costs to provide everything Janney offers to students and what is allotted in the DCPS budget. Nowhere do they belittle you or shame you -- they just state the facts. You can choose to give or to not give, but own your choice and don't blame it on a "guerilla" email.

It's a pretty obnoxious way to coerce compliance. It ignores the possibility that some families may not be able to donate (or just do not wish to do so). It sets an unfair standard that everyone is expected to donate and those who do not are viewed suspiciously. This is awfully presumptuous, even in well heeled Janney community. I agree with PP that the best approach is to thank those who have participated and encourage everyone help reach a participation goal, knowing that 100% participation is not a reasonable expectation.

So donate $1 and be done with it. Honestly the whining from entitled Janney parents is so tiresome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On principle, I refuse to donate to my child’s school. Although I can afford it.

For a little perspective, I have kids at Wilson (formerly Deal and Janney) and after the last P/T conference round, my children's teachers talked about the lack of financial support offered by DCPS and the PTSO for supplies, equipment, desks, toilet paper, etc. Many of these teachers bring in their own supplies paid for out of pocket. They do not even bother to ask for reimbursement because they know they will not get it. Others have lowered their standards for how interesting they can make their classes because they feel like on principle, they shouldn't be donating to a school when parents won't. (Don't get me wrong - these teachers work hard and my kids are college bound and college ready - but supplies and experiences make education better).

Wilson's PTSO just sent a note saying that they have 10% participation from families. They have no funds to give because they are not getting donations. DCPS doesn't sufficiently fund essentials in any school. With these attitudes, no wonder our schools aren't living up to expectations. I wish someone would continue the strong-armed messages to parents at the older years that they are getting in the elementary schools. Education costs money. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a reality check - don't hold back. Below is the intro to an email from the Janney PTA - I think there have been two similar emails earlier in the school year. This aggressive badgering of parents started last year and I decided that I was not going to give a dime because I hate this approach and do not want to encourage it. At this point I am prepared to send an email to the PTA Presidents and the Principal (I love her) voicing my displeasure at being harassed and shamed into making what is a VOLUNTARY donation. What am I missing? Am I wrong here? Just the fact that they track families is disturbing to me!


"Hi friends!
We have just 145 families who have not yet made a tax-deductible donation to Janney’s Student Support Fund (yep- that’s you guys!). Please know that we appreciate & recognize the many contributions you all make to our school on a daily basis, but please also know that our DCPS-allocated budget is not enough to cover the basic needs of our school."

If the 145 families can be identified, it's inappropriate. If they can't, then you've got no beef. And don't know what guerrilla means.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On principle, I refuse to donate to my child’s school. Although I can afford it.

For a little perspective, I have kids at Wilson (formerly Deal and Janney) and after the last P/T conference round, my children's teachers talked about the lack of financial support offered by DCPS and the PTSO for supplies, equipment, desks, toilet paper, etc. Many of these teachers bring in their own supplies paid for out of pocket. They do not even bother to ask for reimbursement because they know they will not get it. Others have lowered their standards for how interesting they can make their classes because they feel like on principle, they shouldn't be donating to a school when parents won't. (Don't get me wrong - these teachers work hard and my kids are college bound and college ready - but supplies and experiences make education better).

Wilson's PTSO just sent a note saying that they have 10% participation from families. They have no funds to give because they are not getting donations. DCPS doesn't sufficiently fund essentials in any school. With these attitudes, no wonder our schools aren't living up to expectations. I wish someone would continue the strong-armed messages to parents at the older years that they are getting in the elementary schools. Education costs money. Period.

That's sad. I don't even have kids at Wilson, and I buy from the various fundraisers sports teams have, pay to attend their performances every year. I'm just a neighbor, but dang, the parents should be supporting the school at least a little bit. If 1800 families gave just $5 or $10, imagine what the PTA could contribute to the life of the school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On principle, I refuse to donate to my child’s school. Although I can afford it.

For a little perspective, I have kids at Wilson (formerly Deal and Janney) and after the last P/T conference round, my children's teachers talked about the lack of financial support offered by DCPS and the PTSO for supplies, equipment, desks, toilet paper, etc. Many of these teachers bring in their own supplies paid for out of pocket. They do not even bother to ask for reimbursement because they know they will not get it. Others have lowered their standards for how interesting they can make their classes because they feel like on principle, they shouldn't be donating to a school when parents won't. (Don't get me wrong - these teachers work hard and my kids are college bound and college ready - but supplies and experiences make education better).

Wilson's PTSO just sent a note saying that they have 10% participation from families. They have no funds to give because they are not getting donations. DCPS doesn't sufficiently fund essentials in any school. With these attitudes, no wonder our schools aren't living up to expectations. I wish someone would continue the strong-armed messages to parents at the older years that they are getting in the elementary schools. Education costs money. Period.

That's sad. I don't even have kids at Wilson, and I buy from the various fundraisers sports teams have, pay to attend their performances every year. I'm just a neighbor, but dang, the parents should be supporting the school at least a little bit. If 1800 families gave just $5 or $10, imagine what the PTA could contribute to the life of the school!

Maybe the students should take over and collect $10 per kid and donate that to the PTA. Some of these kids have jobs and could forego a couple trips to Starbucks to support the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On principle, I refuse to donate to my child’s school. Although I can afford it.

For a little perspective, I have kids at Wilson (formerly Deal and Janney) and after the last P/T conference round, my children's teachers talked about the lack of financial support offered by DCPS and the PTSO for supplies, equipment, desks, toilet paper, etc. Many of these teachers bring in their own supplies paid for out of pocket. They do not even bother to ask for reimbursement because they know they will not get it. Others have lowered their standards for how interesting they can make their classes because they feel like on principle, they shouldn't be donating to a school when parents won't. (Don't get me wrong - these teachers work hard and my kids are college bound and college ready - but supplies and experiences make education better).

Wilson's PTSO just sent a note saying that they have 10% participation from families. They have no funds to give because they are not getting donations. DCPS doesn't sufficiently fund essentials in any school. With these attitudes, no wonder our schools aren't living up to expectations. I wish someone would continue the strong-armed messages to parents at the older years that they are getting in the elementary schools. Education costs money. Period.

That's sad. I don't even have kids at Wilson, and I buy from the various fundraisers sports teams have, pay to attend their performances every year. I'm just a neighbor, but dang, the parents should be supporting the school at least a little bit. If 1800 families gave just $5 or $10, imagine what the PTA could contribute to the life of the school!

Maybe the students should take over and collect $10 per kid and donate that to the PTA. Some of these kids have jobs and could forego a couple trips to Starbucks to support the school.

Oh sure - because the kids make so much more than the parents. I think the debt they will go into after college is enough. Let them keep the minimum wages they are making at 16 and put the pressure on the parents to do their part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a reality check - don't hold back. Below is the intro to an email from the Janney PTA - I think there have been two similar emails earlier in the school year. This aggressive badgering of parents started last year and I decided that I was not going to give a dime because I hate this approach and do not want to encourage it. At this point I am prepared to send an email to the PTA Presidents and the Principal (I love her) voicing my displeasure at being harassed and shamed into making what is a VOLUNTARY donation. What am I missing? Am I wrong here? Just the fact that they track families is disturbing to me!


"Hi friends!
We have just 145 families who have not yet made a tax-deductible donation to Janney’s Student Support Fund (yep- that’s you guys!). Please know that we appreciate & recognize the many contributions you all make to our school on a daily basis, but please also know that our DCPS-allocated budget is not enough to cover the basic needs of our school."

This isn't a guerilla tactic, it's just the truth and you don't like it. They aren't shaming anyone -- they are sharing the reality. There are still 145 families who haven't given, you are one of them, and they are hoping that you will join with the rest of community and contribute something to help cover the shortfall between what it costs to provide everything Janney offers to students and what is allotted in the DCPS budget. Nowhere do they belittle you or shame you -- they just state the facts. You can choose to give or to not give, but own your choice and don't blame it on a "guerilla" email.

It's a pretty obnoxious way to coerce compliance. It ignores the possibility that some families may not be able to donate (or just do not wish to do so). It sets an unfair standard that everyone is expected to donate and those who do not are viewed suspiciously. This is awfully presumptuous, even in well heeled Janney community. I agree with PP that the best approach is to thank those who have participated and encourage everyone help reach a participation goal, knowing that 100% participation is not a reasonable expectation.

It’s also very short-sighted. I work in educational philanthropy, and this sort of tactic can get immediate results, but it changes people’s perceptions long-term and makes them less likely to contribute their time or money in the future.

[Anonymous]

The email that was sent- is everyone bcc'd or you can see the email addresses of 145 families?