QUESTION:
What
sets the PTA apart from other parent groups?
ANSWER:
Today’s PTA is a thriving child
advocacy association. Our nearly 5 million members form a nationwide network of
families united in their commitment to improving the education, health, and
safety of all children. We speak with one voice for every child.
Today’s PTA is more connected, dedicated, and
advocacy-minded than ever before. We do not limit ourselves to bake sales; we
strive for meaningful policy changes and educational improvements. The results
of our mission benefit all children nationwide, even those who do not attend a
PTA school.
PTAs working toward bringing healthy options to their school
cafeterias also band together to help influence the national nutrition
standards for school breakfasts and lunches. PTAs worried about school safety
pool their ideas and take their shared concerns to the school board to secure
systemic improvements. And PTAs facing school budget cuts rally to preserve
state and federal appropriations for education.
Moreover, PTAs have access to several benefits, including
dozens of national programs, experts, and turnkey resources, as well as State
PTA leadership training, parent involvement resources and much more.
Additionally, PTAs are eligible for prestigious national awards and millions of
dollars in grants to help build their capacity and skills.
Administrative factors also set the PTA apart from other
parent groups. The PTA offers a national and state infrastructure with staff to
assist PTAs in securing nonprofit status, filing government paperwork, creating
bylaws, purchasing low-cost insurance and training leaders. These support
services are available at no additional cost after membership.
