What's the Big Deal About Bylaws?
So, here's the thing - a PTA unit's bylaws are incredibly important. The bylaws not only define your group as a PTA, the bylaws also define your group as a 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity. That is an incredibly important distinction that makes sure your PTA can keep making magic for children!
Even more importantly, the bylaws are the specific rules that govern a 501(c)3 non-profit PTA, no matter whether it's a unit, council or district. Want to know what positions you elect? It's in the bylaws! Want to know what quorum is for the Executive Board or the General Association? It's in the bylaws! Another name for the bylaws are the “Articles of Organization”. All California State PTA district, council, and unit bylaws have certain sections in common - that's because they are subordinate organizations to California State PTA and National PTA (and there is some legal language that protects everyone).
Bylaws should be reviewed annually, and must be updated at a minimum of every five years for units, and every two years for councils. Units wanting to change or amend their bylaws must adopt proposed changes with the Executive Board, and then submit bylaws through channels for approval from the California State PTA parliamentarian. Once bylaws are returned and approved, the General Association must have at least 30 days notice of the changes before adopting the changes at a General Association meeting. Once they are adopted, the changes are legal and the process is finished!
Even more importantly, the bylaws are the specific rules that govern a 501(c)3 non-profit PTA, no matter whether it's a unit, council or district. Want to know what positions you elect? It's in the bylaws! Want to know what quorum is for the Executive Board or the General Association? It's in the bylaws! Another name for the bylaws are the “Articles of Organization”. All California State PTA district, council, and unit bylaws have certain sections in common - that's because they are subordinate organizations to California State PTA and National PTA (and there is some legal language that protects everyone).
Bylaws should be reviewed annually, and must be updated at a minimum of every five years for units, and every two years for councils. Units wanting to change or amend their bylaws must adopt proposed changes with the Executive Board, and then submit bylaws through channels for approval from the California State PTA parliamentarian. Once bylaws are returned and approved, the General Association must have at least 30 days notice of the changes before adopting the changes at a General Association meeting. Once they are adopted, the changes are legal and the process is finished!
What About the Standing Rules?
Standing Rules are an important component of the bylaws - the Standing Rules define procedures of your specific organization. It's important to note that Standing Rules cannot conflict with, nor can they override, the bylaws. Standing Rules can be incredibly helpful though. For example:
An important thing to know about Standing Rules is that changing or adding Standing Rules can be done at a General Association meeting! If notice is provided, a Standing Rule addition or change can be adopted with a simple majority affirmative vote. If no notice was provided, an addition or change may be adopted with a 2/3 affirmative vote.
- Bylaws will tell you the general responsibilities of the officers and chairmen
- Standing Rules will specifically attribute responsibilities to each officer.
- Bylaws will identify that meetings of the of Executive Board and General Association must occur
- Standing Rules will specifically details the dates of meetings.
An important thing to know about Standing Rules is that changing or adding Standing Rules can be done at a General Association meeting! If notice is provided, a Standing Rule addition or change can be adopted with a simple majority affirmative vote. If no notice was provided, an addition or change may be adopted with a 2/3 affirmative vote.
Want more information on Standing Rules? Reach out to us at [email protected], or check out California State PTA's website and get more information on Bylaws Review Processes and Standing Rule 17 Explained.
Revising and Submitting Bylaws (Process for 23rd District PTA)
Bylaws Submission Guidelines:
Units in Council must submit via their Council.
1. Units or Councils with bylaws to submit for approval to California State PTA may email the following to: [email protected]
3. Access ebylaws via CAPTA.org
OR
Click the appropriate link to download the appropriate template (if ebylaws being unavailable)
OR
Click the appropriate link to download the appropriate template (if ebylaws being unavailable)
The following must be included:
✅ Completed District Submittal Cover sheet (See above).
✅ Unit or Council officer email contact information
✅ Street address for bylaws return.
✅ List of all bylaws and/or Standing Rule changes
✅ All pages of the bylaws (including all Standing Rules)
✅ Completed District Submittal Cover sheet (See above).
✅ Unit or Council officer email contact information
✅ Street address for bylaws return.
✅ List of all bylaws and/or Standing Rule changes
✅ All pages of the bylaws (including all Standing Rules)
Still have questions? Reach out to us for help at [email protected]