I have looked up the bylaw I could not find any from the last time they had PTO I am sure someone has them but someone is not being very nice. So the SI told me that we need to start all over.
We do have a good bit of money in the bank. And we are already listed as a non profit. I'm thinking of having a party that coinsides with red ribbon week. We have a big meth prob. in this area.Ill ask the group about it Mon.
Some of the points that you should probably be focusing on for this first group gathering is:
1. The legal aspect. If someone could research either for this meeting, or for the next, what the startup cost would be for the group. The process to become an independant 501(C)(3).
2. Bylaws will at some point, hopefully early, become important. Check out Robt's Rules or maybe some other local group's Bylaws and discuss what things your group would like to change/include in your Bylaws. For example, I would recommend that you ensure that they state that the group controls all funds, that way if you ever get a new Principal they can't try to control the funds (I've read nightmare stories about this). Terms of office. Can a staff members hold an executive officer position - this is another one of those things that I've read can become a problem.
3. Financial. In order to become independant you'll need some funds. Obviously fundraisers will become important. You may want to try to set up one soon so that you can obtain the start-up money. A bake sale might be a great option for one of your upcoming school events. We actually had one last night at Opne House and raised ~ $350. One great choice here is to reach out to your local movie theater and see if they would be willing to donate a few bags of popcorn. You'll need to purchase the bags as well, unless they would donate that as well (unlikely). We sold our popcorn last night for 50 cents and it raised probably over $100 alone! We also purchased a bunch of water at the local BJ's and sold those.
I wouldn't form a budget just yet as you have no idea what funds you might be able to obtain. Personally I would recommend against dues, but each to their own.
4. Events - you could start looking at "break even" events for this year. For example, I am presently working on our second annual Harvest Party, which is a Halloween time event with a DJ, bake sale, party games, free raffles and a "spook house". Obviously funds are needed to do some of these things, but you could probably have an event where DJ services are either donated, or you guys could bring in you stereo and make something happen. The fun house/spook house would be a great inexpensive addition to the event. Get a few members to dress up and create an interactive (possibly non-scary) area. Have admission low, something like $3 a kid and you'll more than cover any costs, and likely even make a bit. This will get word out about your group while bringing in some funds.
That's pretty much the areas I would focus on for now if I was starting things up from scratch.
The school office asked me to do this. I have about 45 ladies that said they would attend the meeting. I just need to get them excited and not fizz out like they have in the past.
It seems like you may be getting ahead of yourself. I wouldn't think of your "first meeting" as a regular meeting and I wouldn't be all worried about elections and minutiae yet.
First to me would be getting together some people (as many as you shake out) who think it will be a good idea to start a group... and then just start thinking/collaborating/brainstorming on what you think your school should do/have. Call it an organizational meeting or meetings. That "let's think about this" process is a big part of the beginning, and shouldn't juts fall on you. Great if you can get the wheels moving, but -- long term -- the group will be best served if folks feel invested in the start.
My advice on start: maybe pick one or two efforts tops and focus on running them really well. Exceptionally well. Build momentum that way.
Our school did not have a PTO group last year. I told the school office that I would head up getting it started again. In the process my name has been put on the ballet for Pres. It looks like that it will come to pass. What should our first meeting consist of? What should I hand out to the parents. What ?ers should I print up.Will I feel this stupid for long?:eek: I have decide to nom. a lady for co pres. is this wise?
