PTA is a grassroots
organization made up of parents, teachers, and others around the state
who have a special interest in children, families, and schools. PTA
membership is as diverse as Texas is in cultures, education levels, and
parenting skills. By joining PTA, a member automatically becomes part of
the largest child-advocacy organization in the state--over 750,000
strong across Texas.
PTA'S MISSION
The mission of the PTA is three-fold:
To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in
the community, and before governmental agencies and other organizations
that make decisions affecting children;
To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and
protect their children; and
To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this
nation.
WHAT DOES PTA
DO?
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.
WHAT IS PTA VS.
OTHER PARENT GROUPS?
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, district 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 insures that parents are considered more
fully when decisions are made.
PTA dues are decided by
the membership of the local unit 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 unit desires and decides.
Other non-PTA parent
goups 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 unit. Since these groups are independent of
any state or national organization, all monies are kept in that unit.
HOW IS PTA
STRUCTURED?
Most local unit PTAs meet at a school campus. Groups of local unit PTAs
often join together to form councils. Above councils, there are 18
district 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.
WHEN WAS PTA
FORMED?
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.
WHY SHOULD I GET
INVOLVED?
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. The
1990s are dangers times for parents to learn ways to keep children safe,
trouble-free and involved in school. PTA is the place to gain that
knowledge.
HOW CAN I
BENEFIT?
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.
HOW DO I JOIN?
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.