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Why your Bylaws & Standing Rules are important:

Nonprofit bylaws are crucial because they act as the organization's operating manual, defining governance, decision-making, and member rights, ensuring legal compliance (especially for IRS tax exemption & state laws), fostering transparency and accountability, preventing internal disputes, and providing a roadmap for effective, mission-driven operations, all while protecting board members from liability and guiding financial integrity.

FAQS:

What do I need to know about the PTA Universal Bylaws and Standing Rules?

Universal Bylaws were implemented in May 2018 and governs all PTAs / PTSAs in Minnesota.
All PTAs in Minnesota must operate under the Universal Bylaws, and their adopted and approved Standing Rules.
The Universal Bylaws govern the affiliation, operations, and dissolution of PTAs.
The Universal Bylaws are uneditable by local units, however local PTAs may propose changes to be voted on during the annual convention in April, which when approved, aids in the operations for all PTAs in the state.
Standing Rules are editable and allow for your local PTA to address independant operations, and refer to additional policies you've created.
The Universal Bylaws and your standing rules should be reviewed by officers annually, and made available upon request of your PTA members.
These Universal Bylaws and Standing Rules are specific to PTA and not adoptable by outside organizations.
Copies of your Standing Rules should be retained on file for the life of your organization, even after they've been updated.

When do I need to submit Standing Rules?

Your Standing Rules need to be updated once every 5 years, or upon any changes.

Who do I contact for assistance?

Email bylaws@mnpta.org for assistance with completing your Standing Rules.

The Universal Bylaws, and Standing Rules template UPDATES annually on July 1st!

After Convention, check back to download the most current version.

Lets Get Started!

Step 1

Click the icon to download the most recent Universal Bylaws

These are your organizations governing document. Your board should read these and be well versed in the contents. Refer to these for operational guidance.

Step 2

Click the icon to download the current Standing Rules Template

This Standing Rules Template is current as of: July 2025, and is the current template as of January 2026.

Use this template to construct the Standing Rules for your own PTA.

Step 3

Click the icon to download the Standing Rules Instruction Set

These instructions should help guide your PTA to completing your Standing Rules setup. If you need further assistance, please reach out to our office.

Your almost finished!

Complete the template to the best of your abilities.
Resolve any conflicts that arise when comparing to the Universal Bylaws.
Once your Template is approved, Bring this to your next meeting for membership approval.
Once your approval has been made, upload these into Givebacks for your final submission and approval from Minnesota PTA.

Click the icon to download the 2025 addendum

All PTAs/PTSAs who have Standing Rules that were submitted AND approved by the MNPTA prior to July 1, 2025, need to download this addendum file, provide the correct information in the open areas on the form and keep it with your copy of your Standing Rules File. Do not submit addendum file to MNPTA - keep the copy with your current approved SR file.

Find more guidance here!

Standing Rules Webinar 10 17 2023.pptx

Watch a Training Video

Check out the Slide deck

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