My Tip of the Week: Do You Know Where Your Bylaws Are?

by Tim Sullivan

02/07/2016

If y

you

you wanted to consult your bylaws, would you need an archeological dig or maybe a forensics expert to track down a copy? Don't feel bad. If the last person to have seen them was maybe three presidents ago or the secretary before last, you're in the same boat as a lot of groups.

There's nothing fun, exciting, or even rewarding about bylaws. But they are an important element of running an effective parent group. Putting your bylaws in writing helps you operate in a more consistent way, and they help you answer what otherwise might be difficult questions: What happens if the vice president stops showing up halfway through the year? Can the board set the budget, or does it need to be approved by the general membership? Can teachers vote at meetings?

Summer is a great time to review your bylaws. They'll help you think ahead to next year and how you would like your group to function. Here are some resources to help you get started: