Yes, I Willingly Joined the PTA This Year—Lord Help Me

I have to admit, I am not a joiner. On open house night at my son’s school, I strolled by the PTA table (which is situated at the front door so they can grab their victims easier). I watched as the other moms huddled together to over-enthusiastically talk about their kids and the ten different activities they have going on. They gave a high-pitched giggle and a snarl, gossiping about what some unsuspecting member of their gal gang did to embarrass herself at the block party.

It’s not that I am not involved in my children’s school, quite the contrary. I was always the mom that helped out at every class party, field trip, and volunteer opportunity. I just never joined the collective, if you will. I tried it in the past and it was a miserable experience. It always seemed to me as if it was more like a sorority house try-out, giving life to the popular gals after their reigning high school careers were over and a place to find new recruits for their circle. Cliques like a scene out of Mean Girls, with the head of the organization acting just like Regina George, were like a rampant epidemic. They just weren’t accepting or nice. Snobbery wasn’t just a trait, it was an art form for these gals.

This organization has become so “cut-throat” that the network Bravo has produced a show about it. Who knew?

But this year is going to be different. I have made a vow to give the PTA another shot. I actually joined willingly. Maybe they aren’t that bad? Maybe getting involved with other mums outside of my immediate circle will do me some good? That’s what I keep telling myself. I didn’t do it to make friends, I did it because my last baby is in kindergarten and I am looking for other ways to help his school.

So here I am. I gave my fee to join, ordered my boy his shirt, and offered up my cell phone number for the roster. I will keep you all posted on how it goes, but frankly, I’m a little scared. Wish me luck ladies! I’m going into the lioness den. To be continued…