To answer your question from two days ago - yes our by-laws state each officer is for a one year term. We could have a membership vote (2/3 approval) to change it to 2 years, but I'm not sure that it's needed.
As for our nominating committee, our president assignes the committee (group of 3) and does not need board approval of the committee. But, that committee does nothing more than promote that all officer positions are open, gathers nominations, confirms if they are interested and runs the election for all those that were nominated. If only one person is nominated, then they assume office by default at the end of the school year. So, it really does not matter who is on the committee as they have no power (unless or course they rigged the election but that's what we have a group of 3 for to try and avoid that).
I am a second year president, and may run for a third (the first year was learning what was goind on (a lot of it in panic mode), this year I got somethings going and feel comfortable). I'm thinking it might be time to run for VP instead and let someone with fresh ideas and initiative take over. That way I can still be involved in things that have started (we did a fall festival, movie nights, college funding night, ice cream social, a field day planned this spring, and a couple other smaller things - ALL for the first time over the past two years).
I want to see these continue, but we need to have fresh new ideas and someone with the initiative to take them running. I think that encouraging new board members helps keep that going.
Ladies,
I agree and thank you again. It's funny to say the mystery by-laws, but that's the truth. And I've been more than forefront with my concerns and questions. And I don't beat around the bush when I ask a question. I ask the question and expect a direct and honest response. That's just the way that I run my own life. Be forthright and honest and treat people with respect and in the same turn, I get that in response.
So I hope they see my actions as honest and sincere and not mean and trying to overthrow the "government". That's not my intention. People in the membership started to ask questions and it's not right to give them the wrong impression of how things should be run.
Now that's not to say I'm going to carry the by-laws around like a "Bible" but I should at least have them available to me if I sit on the board.
My concern now is that the nomination meeting and then the following month election meeting (which is the way it should be) will postpone the new board being in place, therefore postpone being able to come up with a calendar of events for next year and I had a few events and ideas to bring for discussion as possible add-ons for next year. I'd hate to see the same event that failed be repeated because there weren't any new ones in the works.
I may just have to talk to the current board (if they'll listen) and suggest my ideas for events for next year. I really wanted to have these ideas bounced back and forth at a meeting with the current and new board. I wanted to maybe apply for a grant for an event also and that may not be able to happen because of time constraints.
Where there's a will, there's a way I guess. Thanks again.
Anniegirl...Good for you in attempting to get to the bottom of it and making sure that things get done fair and square and according to your mystery bylaws.
I agree with your statement that you do not think the current Prez has fear of being exposed. I would agree that it appears she just wants to be president forever or at the very least put one of her cronies in the position.
Like Soccermom said...Just take the high road and make sure you do everything by the book. Don't ever stoop to anyone elses level.
Let them be mad all they want. If they ran the organization the way they were supposed to then they would not be in this situation and nor would they have anything to worry about. It is never a good sign when bylaws are hidden and not available to anyone that asks for them.
Doesn't your Board have to vote on the Nominating Committee? If there's a concern there,why not use a closed ballot vote. There are ways of getting around a "monarchy", one just has to be persistant. Just proceed with caution and make sure that everything you do is up front and above the table--you don't want to be labeled as a "troublemaker". If everything was done correctly and above the table on your president's end of it, she shouldn't be so protective if there's nothing to hide. You have nothing to lose...but SHE has a 6 year reputation at stake. Also, be prepared that if you are successful and do become the next president, SHE will definitely be there with bells on to give you a hard time, especially if she thinks you are out to sabotage her. Make sure that things are done as "business" and nothing "personal"...I don't get the impression that anything is personal on your level--there's alot of business issues that I see happening, and are valid concerns. But make sure that things aren't misinterpreted....
That's what I thought. By-Laws were not meant to be broken. I am awaiting word from the Council President on the situation. I know that the president is going to be avoiding me at all cost. But I'm ready for whatever comes my way. I don't think she has a fear of being exposed, she just wants everything to be so secretive because she wants to either serve a 7th year or give the presidency to someone else by monopolizing the nominating committee.
The council president already told me that the procedure presented at the meeting last night was incorrect and it can't be done that way. So that will be addressed with her. I'll let you know.
Number One--That's what your council president is for!!!! To act as a reliable source of information. Number Two--You can NEVER go wrong when you follow your by-laws. When they are followed correctly, it protects both the organization AND the individuals serving the organization. Maybe this president is trying hard to keep her position because she KNOWS that rules have been broken and is afraid of being exposed? I don't know the whole situation, it's just a shot in the dark. Your by-laws were written, AHEM, TO BE FOLLOWED!!!!! Even if you don't become the next president, I would STRONGLY suggest that it becomes known to the membership that the by laws are not being followed--it puts your WHOLE organization in jeopardy. Also, your County By Laws chairman should have a current copy of your local By Laws. If you cannot attain a copy from your president or recording secretary, both county PTAand state PTA are required to have a copy on file. They should send you a copy per written request. GOOD LUCK AND HANG IN THERE!!!!!
