Getting Started?

Having a tough time getting started with your PTA? There is a lot of information out there and it can be extremely overwhelming. So first breath, take a step back and let's start with the basics. Below are some great tips for new or returning PTAs.  

1) Take Stock of What You Have

  1. Take Inventory of what you tangibly have. If you are lucky, your prior board has already done this. Thank them and throw them a party. Seriously, if they were that organized they deserve a huge thank you.
  2. Label Everything! Make sure you put your PTA stamp on your tangibles before they walk away.
  3. Inventory Old Records. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT waste your time going through everything from prior years. Grab the Prior Year's box or folders and move onto the next step. For everything else, grab some paper boxes, label them, and then toss in records by fiscal year. You can organize those later if you have time.
  4. Set up Social Media Sites. It's amazing what can be done very easily online now. We highly recommend setting up as many social media networks as possible. Share this info with your board and make sure to pass down the rights to the next wonderful board members.

2) Start Your Procedure Book

Each Officer, Chair Person etc. should have a book of info to pass down to the next person in line. That is in a perfect world and we all know that we are not perfect.

  1. Start with what you have. Make a copy of all of the things that you feel are necessary to this years PTA. Bylaws, standing rules, tax exempt certification, budget template, etc. If you don't have a prior book to go from, you can find a nice starting point of what to put in your procedure book in the FL PTA Kits.
  2. Know your Bylaws. Your bylaws should help you through most questions you have about your PTA.
  3. Make a Plan. You might want to get out a calendar and start plugging in dates for meetings, holidays, events, and fundraisers. Set up a group calendar and try to stick to it.
  4. Save your files to a cloud. There are a number of services for this that are free. Find one and start saving things to it. Make sure this is passed down to future PTAs.

3) Get Social

Nothing is worse than having a three hour long meeting and accomplishing nothing. Even in the best run PTAs this can happen. Following Robert's Rules can help, but ultimately it boils down to proper planning.
  1. Group Chat with just your board of officers prior to the meeting. Make a game plan for your meeting.
  2. Send out a notice. Make sure to include how to submit a motion. If you have social media you may want to send out an invite there as well.
  3. Make an Agenda. Not only will it help you stay on point but it will also let everyone else know what your goals are for the meeting.
  4. Reach out to Individuals. Make a point to call or talk to individuals more often then whole groups. One of the biggest complaints of non-PTA member's is that they didn't join the PTA because it was "Clicky" so make sure to work outside of your group of board members and talk with everyone.