Parents' Clubs

Resolving conflict

Good communication and positive working relationships are important to promote understanding amongst club members, minimise conflict and achieve cooperative solutions. It is important that parents’ club members take the time to get to know each other and to develop trust and helpful working relationships.

There may be occasions where members of a parents’ club hold strong conflicting views or do not work cooperatively with other members. The club president (as chair) is responsible for managing any conflict or conduct issues that arise during the course of a meeting.

Some strategies for the president dealing with difficult situations include:

• using clearly understood protocols to ensure all members are heard (for example the parents’ club may adopt terms of reference, similar to that of school council sub-committees). They may also create standing orders or business rules. The values listed in clause 2 of the constitution may be a useful starting point to develop a code of conduct
• reminding members of the requirements of the registration form
• dealing respectfully with all comments and contributions
• ensuring everyone has a say in meetings and one individual does not dominate a discussion
• bringing the discussion back to the club’s core objectives
• anticipating matters that might result in conflict between members and introducing them in a way to minimise tension
• being prepared to let an aggrieved member express their view, but then being prepared to bring the debate to a conclusion.

Further information on managing conflict is available at School Council – Conduct and Conflict of Interest.