If you really think people might join to sway an election, have dues paid after the beginning of the school year (initial enrollment period) have a waiting period before being able to vote, but otherwise have the same priviliges.
In a similar fashion, those never participating in a committee or volunteering should probably not be eligible for exec board and possibly committee chair. This forces consistency in operation. Of course, it's up to your bylaws committee to think about such issues.
we have no dues and anyone with a child at our school is automatically considered a member. Although I am beginning to wonder how many actually realize this...so next fall it will be a push! They can do as much or as little as they want, when they want.
[ 06-11-2006, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: pals ]
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
For our school we do have dues $1.00 usually at begininng of the school year. Now a question though being we are redoing our bylaws and I am in charge of this.
What happens if say you want to become a member in January becuase you want to vote for or against something. This has happened before. How do you have it worded in your bylaws. I am for becomin a new member in the fall or if enrolling a new student but not for a specific agenda.
Cindy
Cindy<br />
<br><br />
<br>____________________________________________<br />
<br>"People have the right to be stupid, but some abuse the privelege."
Yes, check you by-laws, it should be all laid out there.
If you have no by-laws, start working on some fast! There is alot of info here, (and through National PTA) on suggested by-laws.
"If you don't know where you are going, any road can take you there"
And By-laws are your road map.
Just for what it's worth, National PTA has NO time limit on when to join.
Originally posted by <silverbay>: Can you become a member during any part of the school year or just in September?
Good anecdotal stuff from other posters above, but the answer for your specific group should be found in your bylaws. Bylaws are the "rules" for your group and each PTO is free to set them (within IRS regulations) as you see fit.
No bylaws? Sounds like a good time to set some up.