To me, it seems like you need to focus on two different issues:
1) Administratively organizing your PTO, and
2) Planning your programs
Often working on these type of activities will appeal to different people, so don't feel that the same group has to do it all. The by-laws are really, really important. However, don't re-invent the wheel. There are lots of good sample sets out there - review some and then start customizing. Here are some steps I'd recommend.
Administrative
1. Define organizational structure (how many officers, titles, who's on the Board, etc.) (This will need to tie into #2)
2. Set up constitution and by-laws
3. Set up checking account
4. Start working on IRS packet if you want to be a 501(c)3 non-profit. (i.e., donations to you will be tax deductible)
5. Start on the paperwork at the state level to become a tax exempt organization (i.e., so you don't pay state sales tax or state income tax)
6. Decide how you are going to announce and market the organization to the teachers, the parents, and the community.
Program Definition
1) Decide the scope of what you want to do, generally along the lines of
a)Fund-Raising
b)Support/Enrichment of School Programs
c)Volunteerism
2) First, I'd review events the school already has planned (i.e., track and field day, book fair) to see where organized volunteers would easily and gratefully be needed.
3) Look at areas where new programs/funding could help. This could involved organizing volunteers to mentor small groups in the classroom, buying more computers, funding a supplemental enrichment program the school can't afford, buying books for the library, etc.
4) Figure out areas where the PTO can support school spirit. This could be T-Shirt sales, teacher appreciation activities, creating a school directory, etc.
5) Decide which fundraisers would be most effective. Pick only one or two major ones and add slowly. You can supplement with low work/low risk items like a family skate night where the PTO gets a percentage or GM Boxtops for Education. But don't over-extend.
6) Pick one or two major events to support. Again, don't over-extend. We have Breakfast with Santa and then a Spring event like Carnival or Auction. We support a lot of lesser activities that the school initiates (track and field, family reading night).
Keep in mind that you aren't doing EVERYTHNG new. Much of what you will encompass is support and organization for things already planned.
Some people are great about digging into the IRS forms or drafting by-laws. Others just want to organize the first social event. Drag them through the muck of administrative trivia and you'll lose them for good. So I recommend a parallel effort as you gain ground in both areas.
Oh, and be sure to meet with the teachers and staff to get their direct input.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll do a great job. And, remember - have fun while you are at it. It's not supposed to be all work!
[This message has been edited by JHB (edited 10-02-2000).]
