Since my last post on this subject - I have been elected president of our PTO. The first thing we are working on is the by-laws (since none exist for our group). We are basically starting from scratch. I appreciate the additional information. I have also been referencing "Robert's Rules and Procedures".
One note on this, just for the sake of anyone new to this. We typically refer to the "Bylaws", but that's really shorthand. Technically, there are two related(and both necessary) documents - the contstiution and the bylaws. Most of us have both, but often they are typed in one word processing file, and we tend to refer to them as the "bylaws". The constitution just finishes on page X and the bylaws starts on the following page. Just keep this in mind, as we've seen some organizations post messages about really having only the Bylaws and then having to construct a constitution.
And also "constitution" is the same as "articles of incorporation" for IRS purposes.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Athens:
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I would love to get a copy of the bylaws you mentioned. We have a new organization, which is very well organized and doing well, but we have no bylaws at all. Please help! Thanks
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by lenojen: Our PTO has no bylaws, and has no organization. It is run by one person - the president, who has been doing it for many years. The rest of us are considered
"members"would like to see this change. We don't like the thought of one person being in charge of all the decision making for our kids (who gets the money for field trips, what fund-raisers we do, etc.) Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. <hr></blockquote>
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by mykidsmom: I completly agree with JHB and you can do this without by-laws but they are a nice pillow to have.
Our PTO is almost 5 years old but the first thing the original members (amazingly they have ALL moved on) spent most of the first year drafting and approving our now standing by-laws. This person will not be there forever, it's something to see if all the parents involved feel as you do and go from there.
Thank you for being involved!! Good luck in whatever your group does!<hr></blockquote>