VOLUNTEER
YOUR PTO NEEDS YOU
The Chief Joseph Elementary School (CJES) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a volunteer-run organization that welcomes all members of the CJES community. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and community building for our students, staff, and families. We value activities and systems that decrease disparities in opportunity and education. If you are a part of our school, this is your PTO! No membership required.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
All volunteers must have a current Portland Public Schools background check. They are free, but they expire after three years. Questions? Email the PTO volunteer coordinator.
OPPORTUNITIES
Check out our SignUp page to learn about current opportunities. We also have several ongoing volunteer opportunities.
BACKPACK PROGRAM
The Backpack Program coordinates assembly and distribution of food bags to support school families dealing with food insecurity over weekends and extended breaks. We need volunteers to help fill and distribute bags each week.
PORTLAND COUNCIL CLOTHING CENTER
The Clothing Center has been assisting PPS students in need since 1964. Chief Joseph PTO staffs two volunteer shifts per school year. Each shift requires 5-6 volunteers. To volunteer, email volunteer@chiefjosephschool.org or clothingcenter@portlandcouncilpta.org.
If you have clothing in good (or new) condition, drop it off at the schools front office in a box or bag marked “PTA Clothing Center.”
If your student needs clothing, visit the center's website for more info.
PTO BOARD
Be part of the PTO Board and make a difference for our school community. We have several positions open and we welcome at large members. Elections are held at our first general meeting of the year, but appointments can be made midyear. Learn about our current board and contact our President to inquire about how you can participate.
PRESIDENT
Ensure the PTO is conducting its work based on the values of inclusion and equity.
Coordinate and plan the work of all officers and committees so that the purpose of the organization is served.
Ensure the PTO is current and in good standing in accordance to the law, nonprofit standards, and insurance needs.
Plan and preside over the meetings of the organization and board.
Serve as primary contact for the principal.
Represent the organization (or appoint a representative) at meetings outside the organization.
Develop positive and beneficial relationships in the school community.
Serve as an ex-officio of all committees except the nominating/election committee.
Designated as a cosigner of PTO checks.
VICE PRESIDENT
Preside over general and board meetings in the absence of the president.
Assist the president with organizational work and meeting planning.
Recruit members to serve on committees.
Collaborate with board and members on events and community-building activities.
Assist the fundraising coordinator.
In the event of a president vacancy, the vice president shall become president.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Work with the board and school to identify volunteer opportunities.
Coordinate recruitment, outreach, marketing, and organization of volunteer opportunities in a community-minded and inclusive manner.
Coordinate volunteers during large events.
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Manage all communications for events and special projects including but not limited to social media posts, take-home flyers, signage, posters, weekly family bulletin, and PTO print collateral (welcome packet, meeting sign-in sheets, connect cards, etc.).
Update PTO website, calendar, and Facebook page as needed.
Organize assets and files in Google Drive.
TREASURER IN TRAINING
Support the treasurer's work,
Learn financial, record keeping, and compliance processes.
Ensure seamless transition between fiscal years.
Prepare to take over duties of treasurer during the next board term.
Designated as a cosigner of PTO checks.