Friday, March 29, 2013

Can an individual join a PTA the same day as an election?

QUESTION:
Can an individual join a PTA the same day as an election?
ANSWER:
Yes. Individuals may join a PTA on the day of an election or vote and participate in the voting, as long as the individual has joined PTA prior to the meeting being called to order. Check your unit’s Standing Rules for more information.

Friday, March 22, 2013

What sets the PTA apart from other parent groups?

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.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Using PTA Funds to Send Delegates WSPTA Convention

QUESTION:
Why should our PTA spend our hard-earned money to send members to the WSPTA Convention?
 
ANSWER
Sending delegates to the WSPTA Convention is a legitimate PTA expense that will profit your PTA in many ways!
·       Convention classes offer leadership training that will help your new officers and make sure your PTA is on the right road to success. Your PTA needs to fulfill its training requirement for next year anyway, so why not take advantage of this comprehensive leadership training opportunity?
·       Convention is the platform for your PTA to participate in the decision-making process regarding the direction of the association. Your PTA will have the opportunity to vote on bylaw amendments, resolutions and candidates for statewide offices.
·       Convention offers a unique opportunity to educate your leaders on topics concerning our children. By the end of the weekend, your PTA leaders will come to a deeper understanding of the strength of this association in advocating for children. This will help energize and inspire them as volunteer leaders for the upcoming year.
·       Convention is the place PTA leaders go to exchange ideas, create contact lists, collect resources, and much more! For information and to register for the WSPTA Convention, go to the WSPTA website.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Why is there so much emphasis on leadership training?

QUESTION:
Why is there so much emphasis on leadership training? 
 
ANSWER: 
As board members, it is our fiduciary responsibility to manage the corporation in the best interest of its members as a whole. To run programs and handle budgets responsibly, knowledge of the applicable state and federal regulations is key to operate your non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable corporation.
Training is what helps to give our local units credibility. A well-trained and informed board should be a great selling point to encourage the community to join a local unit. Trained board members should be proud of stepping up to the responsibility in their local unit. Click here to learn about the training bylaw amendment that was passed by delegates at the 2011 WSPTA Convention.