I think just from the debate on this board you can see the varied thoughts and emotion involved. I would just as soon not have that at the start of one of my meetings...

d

recent posts are asking how to increase parent participation. introducing a potentially divisive issue (as dlf correctly pointed out) such as prayer leading a meeting, is probably not a good move, imo, at a public school, all legalities aside. my .02.

Lucella what law says a 501c3 cant be religious- that is false and untrue- many are founded on religious principals

A PTO mtg is a parent mtg or business mtg- my business starts the day or mtg woth a prayer- what does that have to do with it.

Noone can decide by themselves whether or not to hold a prayer at the PTO mtg--- the whole point is </font>

• Its NOT illegal</font>
• Its what a majority of Americans adhere to</font>
• the constitutiuon fordades discriminination - Freedom From Religion</font>
• it must be voted on</font>
• mebers vote- to have or not have</font>

Just because a PTO is a business entity (which its not- that is also incorrect)

The Govt and IRS definition of a PTO is a nonprofit entity- it can hold religious prryaer, it can lobby, it can back candidates, it can say the school and dostrict board 'sucks'- Accordingg to nonprofitlaw

[ 09-13-2006, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Originally posted by mykidsmom:
RRO 9th Edition Call to Order; Order of Business

When the time of a meeting has arrived, the PResiding officer opens it, after he has determined that a quorum is present, by calling the meeting to order.He takes the chair (that is, occupies the presiding officer's station in the hall), waits or signals for quiet, and while standing, announces in a clear voice, "The meeting will now come to order," or, "The meeting will be in order." The call to order may be immediately followed by religious or patriotic exercises or other opening ceremonies.
page 24
This is not a "law" but parlementairy procedure may groups follow.

I think this is subject to interpretation & appropriateness. Like I said in my appove post-there are laws that govern religion's place in non-profits.
If you would like to take a minute or 2 and acknowledge a family who is having a hard time & ask people to keep them in their thoughts and prayers-(or whatever situation - a principal who has been working extra hard- students who are taking testing-whatever)I would think that would be ok. Keep in mind that when you are acting in a position of authority for your group, you are representing your group and not yourself.

Originally posted by pals:
Not the time or the place for this at all! Not all have the same beliefs and I would be one that would be highly offended if someone tried to push their religion on me. Also have you asked your principal if this is even okay? I find that strange!

I SOOOO agree. If you are part of a public school-it is at the very least inappropriate. If you are a 501c3-it is illegal. 501c3s are required to be non-religious. I would also be offended-my own personal beliefs and respect for the personal beliefs of others aside-to be in a group where this was part of a business meeting-which is really what a PTO meeting is.
Pray for whomever you like-at home or in your church/synagauge/temple. If you open a meeting w/prayer, it represents the beliefs of the group, not as the individuals in the group and I just don't think you can do that!

Originally posted by &lt;Toveck&gt;:
Ok, lets go the other way.

My PTO has been having a prayer to start the meetings for the 3 years I have been at the school. This year, I am PTO President and I agree with the above posts that this is not really the place for a prayer.

So, that being said, do I start off my first meeting next week and not do the prayer or should I continue on with the "status quo" even though others might feel as I do, that it's not the place only they don't feel comfortable saying so?

Tovek,

If I were in your position, I would do a 'mement of silence' in place of the prayer at the first meeting. I would announce at some point in the meeting (maybe right away) that I was uncomfortable leading a prayer and say that if there are no objections, I'd like to forego the prayer at the opening/closing of meetings. If there are objections, I'd ask for a vote, without debate. Majority rules, and you'll just have to suck it up if the group wants a prayer.

I personally am very much against public prayer, but our previous principal would bust out a prayer whenever someone would listen.