We vote on everything--usually money and how it is going to be spent. We also vote on assembly programs which to have, which not to have. WE vote on me going outside of the school to raise funds through local companies. Sometimes it seems silly to vote on every little bill that comes in, for instance, we had to vote last meeting on paying for copies to be made for the fundraiser (the cost was $26.00) We had to vote on me being reimbursed for the money I spent for the supplies for the ice cream social ($87.21). It makes me a little crazy, but that is the way it has always been done.
I'm just curious what types of things are being voted on. Other than approving our annual budget and officer elections, we don't have too many votes throughout the year.
I am the new president of a PTO that has had trouble in the past with voting. When someone wanted something voted in they would bring a few of their friends to vote on it and it would pass. Then we would never see these people again. I am trying to institute membership with voting rights something like this:
1) anyone can join, come to a meeting, sign a membership form, the next meeting you have the right to vote.
2) if you miss three meetings in a row you lose your right to vote (we meet once a month-10 times a year)
3) if lose there right to vote they can come to a meeting and sign up again, but don't get voting rights until the next meeting.
I think this will make our members feel more a part of a real organization. I think it will make members feel like thier vote really does count. Their are no fees to join our PTO and even if you are not a member you can come to the meetings an join in on the discussion, you may also serve on a committe. The only restriction is the voting rights. Is their any other PTO's who have membership with voting rights? Is this fair to ask of our members? Any suggestions?