WELCOME TO BYLAWS Irene Smith, Bylaws Chair 2014 Annual Conference

Objectives: Appreciate the role bylaws play in the structure and function of PTA Become familiar with the content of bylaws Understand the difference between bylaws and standing rules Know when and how to amend bylaws Tips to expedite the approval process

What are Bylaws: A legal document The rules that the members of the association approve to: Establish the structure of the association Direct how the association will conduct business

What Bylaws are not: Rules that can be ignored or suspended Rules that can be easily changed A procedure book

Why do we have BYLAWS? They are the link that holds the PTA association together Bylaws give leaders an idea of what is expected of them as part of the association

The Bylaws Template DON’T PANIC ! Follow instructions Fill in the blanks

Things to Remember Must have 3 elected officers Everyone has an Executive Board but an Executive Committee is optional All units belong to a District but joining a Council is optional Bylaws must be posted for 30 days before approval by the general membership

What are Standing Rules? Standing rules are the rules an association uses to administer its affairs under the provisions of the bylaws. A well organized and efficient PTA should have a written set of procedures for putting its bylaws into effect Standing Rules are more flexible than bylaws

Questions Standing Rules should answer Calendar of PTA events prepared by whom? Who approves the calendar? Who prepares notices? How do you communicate with your members? What expenses incurred by your board members does the PTA pay? (conventions, dinners etc.) Who does what, when and how?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please note that when proposed bylaws amendments to the state, district, council and local unit bylaws have been adopted by the membership at our Annual Meeting they are then immediately incorporated in the state, district, council and local unit bylaws at the end of the Annual Meeting.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION continued All local unit presidents receive a memo with the adopted bylaws amendments that should be attached to the local unit bylaws and become part of those bylaws. Any bylaws revisions that are submitted after the annual meeting will be returned on the updated template.

For more information contact: Irene Smith