PTAs work for children. PTAs meet together, study problems, support
teachers, volunteer in schools, attend workshops on parenting and become
informed on issues regarding children and youth. As a result, PTA members
become better parents, teachers and citizens.
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A comparison between PTA and other non-PTA parent groups:
PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a state and national affiliated
organization dedicated to advocacy for all children. It has as resources
other PTA units, state and national organizations, a voice in state
and national legislation, and a network capability with 6.5 million
child advocates.
PTA provides many opportunities for leadership
training. Officers and chairmen can receive job specific training at
Local, Area PTA and state workshops. A family resource and video library
dedicated to parent education topics, children's health and safety,
drug tobacco and alcohol awareness and education issues is available
to all PTA units. PTA's work is based on the concept that many groups
with similar goals working for children are much more effective and
benefit more children than just a single organization working for the
children on one campus.
Because PTA is recognized as an advocacy organization
for children and promotes parent involvement, leaders are asked to serve
on many state boards and committees. This representation adheres to
the legislative positions and resolution approved by PTA members at
national and state conventions. PTA presence at the state level ensures
that parents are considered more fully when decisions are made.
PTA dues are decided by the membership of the
Local PTA with $1.25 of the dues dedicated to Texas PTA and $1.75 to
the National PTA. All other monies are used as the Local PTA desires
and decides.
Other non-PTA parent groups are usually a campus
level group that deals primarily with issues arising from its school.
There is no affiliation with other parent groups, and there are no state
or national resources. Decisions and actions made by a non-PTA parent
group generally affect only the children of its affiliated school.
Non-PTA parent group dues are determined by
the Local PTO. Since these groups are independent of any state or national
organization, all monies are kept in that unit.
Most Local PTAs meet at a school campus. Groups of Local PTAs often
join together to form councils. Above councils, there are 18 Area Presidents
and a Texas PTA Board of Directors, made up of volunteers. The board
sets policies for PTAs throughout Texas. A 20-member office in Austin
supports the work of the association.
Feb. 17, 1897 in Washington, D.C. Two thousand women and some men
met to discuss the nation’s future and the need for all caring
adults to mobilize and to act on behalf of children. Thus, the National
PTA was formed, soon followed by the Texas PTA in 1909.
The National Congress of Parents and Teachers
-- the National Parent-Teacher Association -- is the largest volunteer
child advocacy organization in the United States. An organization of
parents, teachers, students and other citizens active in their schools
and communities, the PTA is a leader in reminding our nation of its
obligations to children. Nearly 6.5 million people belong to this nonprofit,
noncommercial, nonsectarian and nonpartisan organization. The National
PTA advocates before decision-makers for children's rights to better
health, education and well-being, working closely with other national
education and health agencies and organizations. It provides current
information and offers programs, guidance, publications and training
to state and Local PTA groups in developing family-centered programs
and encouraging parental involvement in all areas of a child's life.
For over 100 years, PTA has been leading the way in improving the lives
of America's children and youth. Parent education is a primary part
of PTA's philosophy and aids in the association's quest to protect and
encourage all children. PTA draws on the experience and input of its
membership and cooperating groups and shares what it has learned through
its programs, publications and services.
Texas PTA, with a current membership over 630,000,
is a branch of the National PTA. It is organized into 18 geographic
areas, 93 councils and more than 2,600 local campus level PTAs. It is
governed by a 26 member board of directors, with state headquarters
at 408 West 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2113.
The Local PTA is a self-governing unit that plans
its programs and activities to meet the needs of children and youth
in the community. It is at the Local level where the programs of service
for children and youth are put into action. All other PTA structure
-- Councils, Areas and states -- are designed to promote and strengthen
the work of the Local PTA.
No. Anyone who subscribes to the basic policies
and Purposes of PTA is eligible for membership. Student members must
be in the 9th grade or above.
Because of your children and because of your community. Studies have
shown that membership in PTA provides your child and other children
around you with a greater chance of achieving in school. As a PTA member,
you are more likely to be an informed, involved parent. These are dangerous
times for parents to learn ways to keep children safe, trouble-free
and involved in school. PTA is the place to gain that knowledge.
PTA provides opportunities to meet and to talk with other parents who
have the same worries as you. By sharing common concerns, you will feel
more empowered to do the tough job of parenting. Being part of PTA results
in parental support and makes school involvement easier. You will no
longer feel “all alone” in raising your child. PTA also provides
educational opportunities. From Local-level parent education meetings
to the Texas PTA Annual Convention, PTA encourages learning and the
sharing of accomplishments. Ultimately, PTA provides the opportunity
to serve, to volunteer and to contribute to the welfare of all children,
because children represent our future. PTA will introduce you to a great
variety of new activities and opportunities to share your special talents.
PTA will give you opportunity, not only to impact your local community,
but to have input in major legislative and policy issues affecting children
throughout the state.
Contact your Local PTA president or the Texas PTA Office at 1.800.TALK.PTA,
512.476.6769. Inquire about PTA’s resources that will meet you
and your PTA’s needs as advocates for all children. Resources include
a free-loan video library, publications, active legislation action,
membership recruitment materials, leadership training opportunities,
speakers, program ideas, etc. PTA offers these resources to you. Call
us today.
