I noticed by your profile that you're in IL. If you could go the the PTO show in Chicago, you will find all the help you need. The sessions are wonderful and you will meet lots of folks with great ideas.
That said, you need to do two things first. First, you need some sort of document stating who you are and what your purpose is. This can be "Articles of Association" or "Articles of Incorporation" if you are willing to incoporate.
Next, you will need bylaws. There are lots of folks who can send you samples of theirs. I would offer, but we are in the midst of re-writing. The bylaws are the rules you will use to run your PTO. It details membership, officers and elections, fundraising and spending, and other issues.
It is possible to combine those two, but I find it easier to not.
PTOToday offers the National PTO Network that you can join and get help with all of this, but if that is not an option, just ask on the forum. There are folks that have this down to an art.
Hello everyone! I am in the process of starting to form a PTO at our small rural school. I would appreciate any advice on getting started. I know it sounds dumb, but I'm not sure how to approach a PTO formation at school. What should be my first steps? I already have a few parents willing to help - just waiting for someome to make the first move (ME!) A PTO can only be a positive tool for our schools/children.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Susie
