Also once one becomes confortable with the order or structure, it really becomes second nature to motion, vote and actually take turns in a orderly matter....on a good night!

There's a cheat sheet on Robert's Rules here on this website on the Bonus Tools page. There's 10 points and for the most part, that's basically all you need to know for most PTO business. www.ptotoday.com/bonusTools.html

I think people are very quick to get intimitdated by the CONCEPT of parliamentary procedure, especially if they see/know that the full edition RRO is hundreds of pages long. In the context of a PTO, RRO is a mechanism for expediting debate, voting on issues, and managing your meetings. It's really pretty simple if you can see past all the extraneous (to us) topics.

Used properly RRO will not bog a meeting down (as many people will fear, "We're not that formal at our meetings!"), but rather it will make sure everyone has a voice and that issues are discussed and voted on fairly.

[ 05-25-2006, 12:25 AM: Message edited by: Critter ]

Before I started PTO work, I'd never even heard of Robert's Rules because it wasn't relevant to any prior work I'd done.

However, I quickly learned that it's the 'industry standard' for parent groups.

I'd try to find a new revision as the original takes a PhD to wade through and understand. There are many great choices at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Also, the rules online link is very helpful. There is also a SparkChart available with the most basic parliamentary procdures outlined on it. I don't have it but our incoming president bought one for her binder.

My PTO bylaws are loose and silent on many fronts. How do I get people to follow Robert's Rules when some don't even know what it is? WHat can I say to convince them that this is generally accepted protocol?

Tara - enter BYLAWS into the 'search message boards' feature on this site and you might find links to others' bylaws too from past postings. good luck!

Hi Tara,

I suggest your group establish a Bylaws Committee and draft new ones. Until that process can be completed, follow Robert's Rules of Order. There are many great books at Barnes & Noble www.bn.com , Amazon www.amazon.com or an free online source at www.rulesonline.com .

If you'd like to see just one example of PTO bylaws, I'd be happy to share my group's with you. (We're in Illinois - not sure if that matters.)

Send a message to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I'll send them right over.

Good luck to you and your group!