Parliamentary law is an orderly set of rules for conducting meetings of organized groups for the purpose of accomplishing their goals fairly.

Here are a few brief tips on motions that may help your meetings go faster.

Download our going through the motions form.

Bylaws indicate when elections are held; but, WHY is it important to elect new officers before the current school year ends and not when the new school year starts?

Download the bylaws timeline.

An orientation and planning meetings for a new executive board helps PTA jump start the year right by offering an opportunity to share ideas, review PTA resources and create a working calendar. Agreeing on ground rules for board meetings, priorities in working styles and preferences for types and timeliness of communication will set the stage for a productive PTA team effort.To ensure a successful term of office, certain responsibilities begin as soon as officers are elected.

Download our first tasks for new PTA officers and chairs form.

 

The smooth transition of outgoing and incoming board members and officers is of vital importance and can determine your PTA’s leadership success for years to come. The transition process is the responsibility of both incoming and outgoing officers and board members. It gives closure to those leaving their positions and allows those coming in to be properly prepared. A good process of transition provides an opportunity for outgoing members to evaluate their work and efforts while giving suggestions to new board members on what they wish they had done differently.

Download our term-end checklist.

After checking references, reading the candidate application, reading the job description, and interviewing the candidate, the Nominating Committee fills out this checklist. For seasoned board members, also include past behavior and history.

Download our board candidate checklist.

 

Sample interview questions are used by a Nominating Committee. Nominating Committees are encouraged to add questions specific to their PTAs, their communities and the position for which the candidate is applying.

Download our sample questions.

The purpose of the nominating committee is to recognize and seek qualified nominees for the elected leadership of the PTA. The members of the committee, therefore, have a tremendous influence on the future of the PTA and should be selected carefully.

Download the nomination and application sample form.

The committee needs a balance of newer and more experienced PTA members, all of whom should be knowledgeable about PTA and who are:

Don’t overlook student and teacher members.

The election of the nominating committee should not be a popularity contest based on willingness to serve nor should it consist of the PTA executive board. The PTA president never serves on the committee, and the parliamentarian serves only when elected to serve. The principal may be elected, but should at least be an advisor to the group. No person may serve on the committee for two consecutive years. Be sure to elect your nominating committee wisely!

Download the report of the nominating committee.

The nominating committee is the only PTA committee that is not appointed by the president. This committee is elected by the membership at least two months prior to the election of officers. Determining when to elect the committee and how many people to elect is outlined in your unit bylaws. Don’t forget to elect alternates, in the event an elected committee member cannot attend a committee meeting. Most units should be electing the nominating committee no later than January or February for the election of officers in March or early April.

Download our checklist.

 

Congratulations on your election or appointment! Here are your first monthly steps as membership chair.

Download our timeline here.