National Representative2012 – 2013

Ethical Leadership: Using PTA Core Values for the Common Good

By the end of this workshop you will know :

• What is ethical and what is legal

• What actions make sense

• How to best advance the vision, purpose, and

mission of PTA at the local, state, and national

levels

“What ought to be

done.” - Aristotle

What do these headlines have in

common?

•Each headline has an identification with the PTA

•Each headline reflects some type of lapse in ethics

Potholes on the

Road to Ethical Decisions

Ancient EgyptianDo for one who may do for you, that

you may cause him thus to do. The Tale of the Eloquent Peasant, 109-

110 Translated by R.B. Parkinson

BuddhismTreat not others in ways that you

yourself would find hurtful. The Buddha

ChristianityIn everything, do to others as you

would have them do to you; for this

is the law and the prophets. Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew 7:12

IslamNot one of you truly

believes until you wish for

others what you wish for

yourself.The Prophet Muhammad,

Hadith

JudaismWhat is hateful to you, do

not do to your neighbour..

This is the whole Torah; all

the rest is commentary. Go

and learn it. Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a

Yoruba Proverb

(Nigeria)One going to take a

pointed stick to pinch a

baby bird should first

try it on himself to feel

how it hurts.

Native American SpiritualityWe are as much alive as we keep the

earth alive. Chief Dan George

The Golden Rule/Ethic of ReciprocityA General Principle

“There is no better guide to the conscience than the ‘Golden Rule,’ and its precepts are so simple that any mind can grasp them.”

Alice McClellan-Birney

PTA Co-Founder

The PTA Ethical Triple Test

Is it legal?

Does it follow PTA policies?

Does it advance PTA’s mission & purposes?

Compounding a Felony

libel

Is It Legal?

negligence

Misprision of a felony

Slander

fraud

Even if it is legal…

• Technically “legal” actions may present

obstacles to advance the PTA Mission

• Ethically dubious actions include:

– Favoritism

– Private agenda

– Autocratic leadership style

– Tobacco use or alcohol consumption at PTA events

where children are present

Does it follow policy?

• Local PTA bylaws, policies, code of ethics and code of conduct

• State PTA policies, bylaws, code of ethic and code of conduct

• National PTA’s basic policies, mission, objectives, and priorities

–12–

a. The organization shall be noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.b. The organization shall work with the schools and community to provide

quality education for all children and youth, and shall seek to participate in the

decision-making process establishing school policy, recognizing that the legal

responsibility to make decisions has been delegated by the people to boards of

education, State education authorities, and Local education authorities.

c. The organization shall work to promote the health and welfare of children

and youth, and shall seek to promote collaboration among parents, schools,

and the community at large.

d. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or

be distributable to, its members, directors, trustees, officers, or other private

persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to

pay reasonable compensation for services rendered, and to make payments

and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II hereof.

e. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall

not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (i) by an

organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code or (ii) by an organization, contributions to which are

deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

f. Upon the dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately

providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets

shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit funds, foundations, or

organizations that have established their tax-exempt status under Section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and whose purposes are in accordance

with those of National PTA.

g. The organization or members in their official capacities shall not, directly or

indirectly, participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or

distributing of Statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in

opposition to, any candidate for public office, or devote more than an

insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by

propaganda or otherwise.

National PTA Basic Policies

The complete National PTA Bylaws document can be downloaded from the

National PTA website www.pta.org (Microsoft Word required to view).

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Code of Ethics or Conduct

• Is there a Code of Conduct for your State? Unit?

• What is your personal responsibility?

“A Code of Conduct is a set of rules outlining the responsibilities

of or proper practices for an individual, party or organization.”

– Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia