Running Your PTA

Beginning a New Year

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind as you're getting started ...

• Make sure you've submitted your updated Officer and Chair Contact Form to Massachusetts PTA OR updated your information in OMDR.
• Thank the outgoing president, talk about your PTA unit, and ask his or her recommendations.
• Finalize committee chair appointments.
• Meet with executive board members to discuss planning for the year and to set goals and establish priorities for your unit.
• Plan to attend training and leadership development events available from both state and national PTAs to all unit leaders, and to represent your local unit at state PTA events.
• Keep a binder or folder that contains bylaws, standing rules, the latest audit, minutes from last year's board and membership meetings, and last year's plan of work and budget. Consult the PTA Presidents Quick-Reference Guidethat was mailed to all local unit presidents in the spring. If you do not have it, ask last year's president to pass on his or her copy.

IRS Launches On-Line Workshop for Exempt Organizations

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched a new Web-based version of its popular Exempt Organizations Workshop. The free online workshop covers tax compliance issues confronted by small and mid-sized tax-exempt organizations.

The workshop, Stay Exempt: Tax Basics for 501(c)(3)s, consists of five interactive modules on tax compliance topics for exempt organizations:

• Tax-Exempt Status. How can you keep your 501(c)(3) exempt?
• Unrelated Business Income. Does your organization generate taxable income?
• Employment Issues. How should you treat your workers for tax purposes?
• Form 990. Would you like to file an error-free return?
• Required Disclosures. To whom do you have to show your records?

The modules can be completed in any order and repeated any number of times. The online training website does not require registration and its visitors will remain anonymous.

Are you or your tax professional interested in a three day seminar where you can get the latest word about tax issues from the IRS leadership as well as experts in the fields of tax law, compliance, and ethics? In addition to the web-based workshops, the IRS will be holding 2007 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums.

The Importance of Being Accountable and Transparent

“Accountable” and “transparent” are two words that are important in accounting and financial operations. An attitude of open and full disclosure is important for nonprofit organizations. The more transparent your PTA, the better. The more information you provide—such as frequent treasurer’s reports, annual reports, and newsletters—the more you live up to your accountability requirement. Who are you accountable to? You are accountable to your members, your sponsors and other funders, the public, your community, and government regulatory agencies. And you are accountable to the good reputation that PTA has earned over its long history.

From National PTA, "Spring 2007 e-Finance Newsletter"

Money Matters Is on the Way

The 2007–2008 PTA Money Matters Quick-Reference Guide will be distributed in the PTA Back-to-School Kit in July 2007. The PTA Back-to-School Kit will also include PTA quick-reference guides on the topics of programs and membership (the PTA President’s Quick-Reference Guide was distributed in April). PTA is able to provide the Back-to-School Kit through the generosity of corporate sponsors. If your updated Officer and Chair Contact Form was updated in OMDR or through Massachusetts PTA before June 10th, you should be receiving/have received your kit. If you do not receive your kit, please contact Barbara Bailey, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to make sure that we have your most current contact information on file.

From National PTA, "Spring 2007 e-Finance Newsletter"

7 Tips to Revive Your Fundraising Appeal

When it comes to a solicitation letter, every single word on the page counts. If your reader isn’t moved by what you say, or if your appeals have lost their appeal, go back to the basics. Read more, including 7 Characteristics of a Good Fundraising Appeal.

Adapted by National PTA from an article that appeared in the January 4, 2007, edition of the NPT Instant Fundraising e-newsletter