We discussed this last spring when we were re-writing our by-laws and doing Form 1023. As JHB said, does everyone agree? What about the parent whose kids are about to leave the school and who has parents in the same state/town who would be severely affected by increased taxes (which persist for several years)? (In MA, much school funding comes from town property taxes, and there are seniors whose property values have gone way up so their taxes are high but their income is not.)
As a 501c3 your organization cannot take position on a CANDIDATE for public office. That would jeopardize your status.
The rest is up to your own internal policy and group decisions. It's not prohibited to take a position on a political issue. There may be some that you feel your organization feels strongly on as whole. What you have to be careful of is that rarely do all members of an organization agree. Can you really speak for the WHOLE organization or at least are you representing the true majority?
Our PTO has been around for years. We are currently in the process of completing our 501c3 application (finally.)
That being said, with the current recession our county is looking a 5 million dollar short fall in funding for the county schools next year. This has been in the local papers, etc.
Now... the "can we?" part...
While we can't "fix" the budget by any means there is a feeling that perhaps the parents aren't as aware of this crises as they could/should be. Since part of the missing funding is state related a strong "showing" of parents encouraging lawmakers to not make those cuts can't hurt. (May not help but can't hurt!)
So... since we are non political, and try to remain that way through elections and everything is, is it all right for us to send home a reminder to the parents about this. Perhaps copy the local newspaper article, give the principals take on it and send it out as the PTO?
As this budget moves forward, how appropriate is it to have a voice of opinion about it? Have our local school board rep at the general meetings? Etc?
We certainly don't want to cause issue, we get along really well with our school and the board and together we have had many years of wonderful support. But, the concern is there about what may happen and how we can voice our concerns, suggestions, solutions (in some cases maybe?) about it... and how (or even CAN) do we keep parents informed of these up coming major decisions?
HELP... it feels like there is a line there that we don't want/need to cross. Just not sure where that line is between being "political" and "supporting our students, teachers, etc."
