Bylaws form the legally binding document that govern the organization. Here are some great ideas from the Bylaws Committee:

• Following basic parliamentary procedure at PTA meetings provides for order, promptness and fair and impartial treatment for all.
• Bylaws provide the basic framework for PTA purposes and our governing structure. Bylaws may never be suspended.
• Bylaws should be reviewed annually to determine if any amendments are needed. Follow the California State PTA procedures to amend bylaws.

1. At the beginning of each new term of office, the president and parliamentarian should review the bylaws with the board. Every board member needs to know and understand the contents. This may also be done at a goal-setting meeting. Contact the district PTA if assistance is needed.
2. Laminate a "Motion Chart" and place it between the president and parliamentarian at meetings for easy reference. (See Motion Chart on next page)
3. When several PTA members want to speak to the same issue during a meeting, the parliamentarian may assist the president by noting the names of those wishing to speak and the order in which they should be called.
4. At the direction of the president, as may be appropriate to the meeting, the parliamentarian can outline certain points of parliamentary procedure: how to make motions, nomination and election procedures, procedure for amending bylaws, etc.
5. Provide a copy of the PTA/PTSA bylaws for each board member and any member upon request.
6. Units should provide the council and district PTA with a copy of their bylaws.
7. Many district PTAs keep a supply of standard Bylaws for local PTAs/PTSAs Units and Council Bylaws available for purchase.

Resources:

California State PTA publications:

• Toolkit
• Bylaws for Units, Councils and Districts
• The a-b-c's of Parliamentary Procedure

National PTA publication:

• Annual Resources for PTAs

Other publications:

• Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Current Edition

Many of the materials in this Web site are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. The Acrobat reader is a free download from Adobe Software.