For bylaws - definitely get some samples from PTO's that have already gotten their 501(c)(3) designation. Whether you go that route or not, some of the boiler plate language will be there.

Fair warning - bylaws are boring. You need to put together a small committee of folks who will really READ the samples and decide which way to go. A lot of it is generic, but there are also many choices to be made.

As far as parliamentary procedure, most PTO's only follow the basics - so that's not too hard to learn. The "cheat sheets" the others mentioned will help. Or - there's info on line. (Here's one link ) Don't let it overwhelm you. The rules can be really detailed if study ALL of them. But, as I said, you just need the basics for voting and running the meeting and holding elections.

We're here to help.

I have a copy of RRO by Webster's New World.. it's the simplified and Applied edition. ISBN 0-7645-6399-8 It was only about $10.99. I would suggest having a copy on hand for your meetings. I would think that your group would pick up the tab for purchasing this, and you would obviously pass it along with your notebook when you are done with the job.

Barnes & Noble has a SparkCharts available for $4.95. I've never seen it but my replacement bought one.

If your primary responsibility is to revise your group's bylaws, you can see a sample here on the Bonus Tools page. If you are also responsible for the proper (and modest) usage of Robert's Rules of Order in your PTO, there's a cheat sheet of RRO also on the Bonus Tools.

I bought 2 of the many different small books that summarize RRO and make it understandable for groups like ours (as opposed to the US Congress or United Nations). I've referred to those little books many times over the years for advice on topics not explicitly covered in our bylaws. Each book cost me about $5 - worthwhile investment.

I was voted the new parlimentarian this year for the pto. They didn't have one last year.
I am also completely new at this- the meeting I was voted in at was my very first.
They briefed me on my duties but they said that the bylaws need some SERIOUS updating and gave me the robert's rules website.
When i went there all I could gather was "buy the book!" which i don't want to do.
So, are there any other Parlimentarians out there that could guide me?
thanks,
alexandra