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What are the best ways to plan and run PTO meetings? We’ve made it easy by compiling this list with links to our best articles and downloadables.

by PTO Today Editors

11/10/2022

Meetings probably aren't the most fun thing on your PTO's calendar, but they're an important part of what your group does. Run well, meetings can be an effective way to gather input, share information, and make decisions. The more efficient your meetings are, the more likely people will be to participate, and the more work your group can get accomplished.

To help your group plan and run effective meetings, we’ve compiled the following resources with links to our most popular (and helpful) articles and downloadables.

First, Perspective

Before you start to think about issues like how long your meetings should be and the proper procedures for taking minutes, put meetings in perspective. Attendance is important, but it’s not the only consideration. What do you truly hope to accomplish at your meetings? Could some relatively simple fixes (holding one meeting a month in the evening for working parents, for example) boost attendance and improve the overall vibe?

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Planning Meetings

Once you’ve given some thought to what you hope to accomplish, it’s time to get into the nuts and bolts of planning your meetings—from getting the word out to keeping your meetings short and to the point.

Running Meetings

An orderly, well-run meeting is better for both leaders and attendees. You can’t forget about the rules—Robert’s Rules, that is. You don’t have to memorize a whole book’s worth of details, but you do want to know the basics. In addition, meetings that offer a dash of fun are more likely to attract attendees.

Meeting Minutes

Minutes are the official permanent record of your group’s meetings. It’s appropriate to take minutes at every formal meeting of the PTO, including executive board and general membership meetings. Some large committees might also find it helpful to take minutes during their meetings to ensure that there’s a record of decisions made.

 

For more on meetings, check out the Meetings/Robert’s Rules page.

Originally posted in 2015 and updated regularly.