PTO Today

Has anyone had experience with their PTO sending out flyers by mail encouraging residents of their town with children in the schools to go out and vote to support an override for the school budget? In the past we thought you had to be a PAC(political action committee) which have been formed in the past, but we are now told that it is ok for the PTO to send info. as long as it is copied outside of the school and sent by US mail. Can anyone provide clarification from your experiences? We don't want to get in hot water if this is a no-no, but would like to help the cause if it is ok!

IRS rules (in order to maintain exemption status) are that the organization may [B]not[/B]:

1) participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates,
2) attempt to influence legislation as a [U]substantial[/U] part of its activities

So, yes, you could take a position on a town budget vote. But beyond IRS regs, you need to consider the best policy for your organization. The PTO board or pres speaks for the entire organization. Can you be confident that your membership (or at least the majority) support that position and agree with the PTO playing that role?

Because of THAT, many of insist the PTO be neutral on any political issue. But that is your decisio to make (as a group).