Wow, JHB - never realized so many board members have so little interest in the governing documents of the corporation!
It makes sense that most board members' motivation is the admirable dedication to the welfare of the students and probably view the organization of more of a parent-teacher group and tend to forget it is also a corporation that must abide by bylaws.
Maybe since there isn't a state or federal organization that it must answer to, they tend to forget that they still must answer to state and federal laws that govern corporations.
I would love to volunteer to be the Parliamentarian, unfortunately, that position does not exist on our PTO.
Just trying to think of a tactful way of pointing out to the board members that it is important to abide by the bylaws, and yet don't want to bulldoze my opinions on them and make it appear that I have "higher" ethics than they do - which I don't believe I do - I just place more emphasis on the importance of bylaws.
I'm sure the fact that I have, and have had businesses, makes a difference in my approach to the organization - I also see the importance of viewing it as a corporation.
From long experience, I can tell you that the fact the officers possess a copy of the bylaws means nothing. I'd wager 9 out 10 people never read them. Most people glance at them and come instantly to two conclusions. The document looks "official" and "boring".
Whenever I give advice to a group considering re-writing their bylaws, I'm quick to point out that the committee working on it will have to read the bylaws - every single word. Sounds obvious? Have you ever served on such a committee? After the first page, half the group - eyes glazed over - will agree to most anything.
With your interest in bylaws, have you considered volunteering for Parliamentarian? Or else volunteer in some other way to help fill in the gap. Some people delight in stirring up trouble, and would approach it as if some plot might exist. But you sound like you genuinely want to help. You might try something like: "Since our bylaws require that .... I'd like to volunteer to ...".
I have to admit that some years our "nominating committee" was mere window dressing. Our group always runs amicably with a single slate of officers. And it's no power trip for anyone. There are plenty of jobs to go around. If (hard as it is to imagine) two people simultaneously wanted a position, we'd hold a "real" election. As is, one or two people do most of the work to determine the slate and we vote them in unanimously.
Thanks for replying JHB and giving me another perspective.
Board members of our PTO all have copies of the bylaws and any member who attends a meeting is given a copy of the bylaws.
Some of the violations I am referring to are - the prez. acting on behalf of all 6 members of the nominating committee (instead of the NC members meeting and deciding as a committee - this I am certain) and the possibility(will be done at next meeting) of adding more at-large board positions without first amending that portion of the bylaws which cap the no# of at-large positions, or to hold an election.
I realize and respect the fact that these are volunteers and have the best intentions at heart. I tend to be anal about democracy and tend to view things from a business perspective. If bylaws are knowingly violated, I believe it weakens the credibility of an organization's democracy and weakens the credibility of the bylaws.
These are good people on the board, and I am sure they want to do the right thing, just not sure all of them have thought thru some of their decisions and actions and how things can be viewed from a business standpoint, since the bylaws are the governing documents of a corporation.
Should they operate in a fair and ethical way? Of course! Should they follow their own rules and bylaws? Yes.
But there's also a need to be reasonable and flexible. This a bunch of parents donating their time, not a court of law where life and death could rest on the technicality of procedures.
Are the violations important or minor details? My group is a very fair, well-intentioned organization. Yet I assure there there are times we've not followed the bylaws to the letter. But never about something I'd consider a "show stopper."
P.S. A lot of groups are operating on "good faith" alone and don't even KNOW what their bylaws are. That could be another explanation.
I have attended most of the PTO meetings this year as a non-board member and have a question. Do the rest of you that have 501(c)(3) PTOs/PTAs consider your organizations to be democratic organizations?
I will probably become a board member soon, but am concerned about some of the ethics of my PTO.
I believe they attempt to be a democratic organization by following parlimentary procedure, but I see areas in which they violate their bylaws, i.e., one person on the Nominating Committee acting on behalf of all 5 members of the NC.
I am well liked by the board members and I see a situation where the bylaws may be violated for me to become a board member. I believe I will withdraw my nomination for the board position if it is clear that the bylaws will be violated for that to occur. My principles and ethics are more important to me than a title on the board.
Just wondering if I am being too unrealistic in expecting a PTO to be operating an ethical, democratic organization.
