I like it Tim's way too, but the "paid dues" item is in our bylaws and I can't change it...I bring it up every year and it gets turned down. Understanding that our situation is a little different than most, paid dues is no big deal, I just don't like it. I did get as far as having it reworded to say that paid members get a vote and can hold office, non-paying members get a voice but cannot vote or hold office...somewhat of a compromise. For us, membership is a fundraiser as we are limited by what we can do here! :cool:
I like bylaws that define members as something like: "any parent or guardian of an XYZ School student".
Couple of benefits of doing it this way:
1. Emphasizes involvement and openness. Great message to send.
2. Your group can stop the months-long focus on selling/collecting/tracking memberships and focus on more important things. (Luckily, it's usually not a big $$ amount anyway or -- at most -- it's a dollar amount that could be easily replaced by the proceeds of a spaghetti sypper or the like.
3. Fewer complications at meetings, as it's usually a lot easier to know who is a parent/guardian vs. who is a paid member.
I agree with the above posts. When I opened the floor for new members I would say:"If anyone here would like to become a member they may do so now by paying $1.00. This will be for the rest of the school year, and entitles you to vote AND bring up new business." But just like Venz I really didn't know if the person talking was a member or not. The treasurer (before we had a sec.) would have the membership roster in front of her. Then again, I would have to practically beg people to talk or just give their opinion so I really couldn't be picky.
The "speaking up" would depend on whether she's adding constructively to the issues or just wasting time. In our group, PTO members have both a vote and a voice, but I've never discouraged someone from speaking up and I honestly don't keep track of who's a paid member or not. BUT I do my best to nip "rambling talkers" in the bud. :cool:
I think it would be absolutely appropriate to allow her to voice her opinion. she may not be a dues paying member (perhaps a money issue) but she is still a parent. She just can't vote.
I think that any involvement by any parent is good, regardless of whether they have paid dues. I wouldn't discourage that, as it might set a precedence limiting parent involvement.
Besides, you may miss out on some very good ideas.
[ 09-22-2003, 03:03 AM: Message edited by: Michelle B ]
