National Representative 2012 – 2013 Ethical Leadership: Using PTA Core Values for the Common Good
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