ANNOUNCEMENT
SEPTEMBER 23, 2000

At their September 23, 2000 meeting, the Connecticut PTA Board of Directors meeting formed a task force to develop guidelines on e-commerce for the state PTA and to suggest guidelines for local units.

Connecticut PTA has been inundated with offers from companies such as 4mycommunity.com, school.pop.com, and schoolcash.com. While at first glance partnerships with these companies sound like a 'win-win' deal, further investigation of IRS regulations, noncommercial aspects of bylaws, and the possibility of paying tax on earned income have caused Connecticut PTA to be very cautious at this time. Currently, Connecticut PTA has no relationship with any e-commerce company to raise funds for the organization. Some state level PTAs around the world have entered into agreements and run into problems. Many states do not have e-commerce policies.

The e-Commerce Task Force will look into all aspects of e-commerce relationships and advise the Connecticut PTA Board on the best method of proceeding at a state level as well as develop suggestions for local units. The task force is currently polling all 54 congresses of the National PTA.

Some of Connecticut’s local units have signed agreements and established relationships with one or more of these organizations. If your unit has signed an agreement, Connecticut PTA advises you to carefully read your contracts, especially exclusivity clauses and methods of payment. If your unit is still undecided and would like guidance from the Connecticut PTA, the Task Force is due to report at the January 27, 2001 Board meeting in Hamden. Notification of any guidelines or suggestions will be sent to units after that date.

The following people have been appointed to the e-Commerce Task Force: Arlene Liscinsky, Treasurer; Linda Hodge, VP for Convention; Terry Ali, Ridgefield Council President; Sunni Hudy, Publicity and Public Relations Chair; Donna McGuire, Organizational Services Commissioner; and as chair, Mark Princevalle, Region 2 Director. Suggestions for this committee can be sent to the CTPTA office.