Also, on Roberts Rules of Order site Crew Chief mentioned, there is a forum for questions for issues that are hard to find an answer for in the book. I do remember when I was the new parent and the best I could do was to keep asking questions and reminding the "experianced" parents that I just want to do and keep doing the good things they have been doing. In the last couple years, one of these parents has become a very close friend of mine and while her son graduated, my youngest (that she organized a baby shower for) started kindergarten!

While this is that hardest thing you may ever do, I just remind myself, it's never easy being the new guy but worth the training when they realize how much you love the school too.

Hey Brandnew! Welcome to the PTOtoday boards. This is a great place to get answers to all of your questions.

Yes, there is a standard structure in place that many parent groups use. Robert's Rules of Order is a parliamentary authority that covers nearly everything. The original book is very long and mostly doesn't apply to your group. There are very good abridgements and revisions as well as online guides such as www.rulesonline.com . I think you'll find that to be very helpful.

Also, most groups operate under a governing document called their by-laws. Your group should have such a document. If not then it would be a great team building exercise for you and your fellow officers to develop some.

Take lots of time to explore the PTOtoday site, especially the Bonus Tools. There is a start-up guide, sample by-laws, and so much more.

The message boards are a great place to search for answers to your many questions. If you don't find what you're looking for then start your own post with a specific question and many people will be glad to offer their own insight and experience.

Good luck to you. I'll look forward to seeing you around!

p.s. As an aside, it's general message board courtesy to type in lower case as upper case is the 'code' for yelling.

I'VE JUST BECOME THE NEW PTO PRESIDENT AND I HAVE NOONE TO ASK QUESTIONS. CURRENTLY WE ONLY HAVE THREE MEMBERS, VICE PRES. TREASURER, AND MYSELF. THESE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN THERE A LONG TIME AND I AM BRAND NEW. I CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT ALL ORGANIZED DESPITE MY MANY EFFORTS. I CAN'T GET ANYONE TO DECIDE HOW TO STRUCTURE THINGS BUT EVERYONE IS ADEMENT ON SHARING DECISIONS.IS THEREA STANDARD STRUCTURE TO BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITEES?PLEASE HELP.