STEPS FOR LIFE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEES

Translation: Espanol
(Adapted Translations)

Before working through these steps check your budget, standing rules, and plan of work as this will determine how many recipients you select.

STEP 1 - SEEK NOMINATIONS:

• Ask for nominations from your general membership via normal communication channels.
• Be sure to ask for specific qualifications of each nominee. (Refer to your local unit’s nominating form.) 
• Remember recipients do not have to be PTA members. Anyone who has made significant contributions to the well-being of children qualifies.

STEP 2 - FORM YOUR COMMITTEE:

• We recommend forming this committee in October or November. For the committee composition, refer to your local unit's standing rules (if you have them).
• Ask individuals involved in your school community to serve on the committee; ask people from different areas to participate (e.g., admin, staff, parents, and teachers). It is helpful (not mandatory) if at least one committee member already holds a Texas Life Membership. Ideally, the committee will not consist of the same members each year. Try to work with an uneven number of people (e.g., 3, 5 or 7).
• Report the committee members to your executive board.
• Remind your committee that all discussions are confidential; this is EXTREMELY important.

STEP 3 - MEET WITH COMMITTEE TO SELECT YOUR RECIPIENTS:

• Review the nominations you have received. Committee members may submit names as well.
• Check webpage for list of past awardees. 
• Ensure your budget will cover the cost of the award for the number of recipients chosen. 

STEP 4 - ORDER APPROPRIATE AWARDS FROM TEXAS PTA OR NATIONAL PTA

• To be included in the Honorary Life Member & Extended Service Award roster and be eligible to use the Honorary Life Member discount, the awarding PTA must purchase the certificate and token from Texas PTA in the recipient's name.
• Texas Honorary Life Memberships and Texas PTA Extended Service Awards are available for purchase by credit card at txpta.org/volunteer-recognition. The award form can also be printed from the website and mailed in with your payment by check.
• Texas Honorary Life Memberships are $75 and include a certificate, card, window decal, and pin. Shipping is $9.
• Texas PTA Extended Service Awards are $125 and include a certificate and pin. Shipping is $10.
• National PTA Life Achievement Awards are available to purchase on the National PTA website at pta.org and search “Life Achievement Award”. This award is $195 and includes a certificate, a letter signed by the National PTA president, and a lapel pin. There is a $10 handling fee. The award form can be printed from the website and mailed in with your payment by check or you may contact them via phone and order using a credit card.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL! Double-check spelling of recipient's name and verify all info is correct.

STEP 5 - PRESENTATION OF AWARD(S):

• After selection, determine who will present the award, where (at your local unit), and when it will be presented.
• PTA/PTSA awards may be presented at any time of the year, however, your December or January meetings are recommended. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that the award be presented in a public setting such as a PTA/PTSA Membership meeting.
• Remember to allow a minimum of 2-3 weeks for processing. So if you want to present the award at your December meeting, the awards will need to be ordered in November.
• It is always nice to have someone say a few words about why this person was selected when presenting the award.
• Remember to take pictures of your award recipients for announcing on social media and other communications
• Presenting the Award is the duty of the PTA giving the award. Here are some examples of how the award can be presented:

• • Present at executive board, membership or staff meeting
  • Present in classroom or location/event that is significant to recipient
  • Give flowers or small token along with award, as budget allows
  • Invite special guests and family to be present
  • All PTAs are different so don’t be afraid to be creative based on your PTA
  • Councils consider presenting at delegate meeting or Founders’ Day

Guidelines for Selecting Recipients 

Honorary Life Member Award - Presented to individuals for outstanding service to children and youth in Texas. The presenting PTA can establish the award criteria locally as long as they can articulate the recipient's worthwhile contribution to the well-being of children and youth.

• Has gone the “extra mile” for our children.
• Is a valuable volunteer
• Is an exceptional teacher, dedicated to education
• Is an outstanding staff member
• Is a community member who shares his/her resources and expertise for the benefit of all children

Extended Service Award - Presented to individuals who have previously received the Honorary Life Member Award and have been actively involved in Texas PTA for at least 10 years. Has continued to give outstanding service to Texas PTA at any level (local, council, or state).

National Life Achievement Award - The highest honor from the nation’s largest child advocacy association to the person who lives out their commitment to children daily. Has gone above and beyond for all children—acts as a tireless advocate for children’s education, health, and well-being.