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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 630,000 strong across
Texas.
WHAT
ARE PTA BY LAWS?
The bylaws of a PTA contain basic rules
relating to the association as an organization rather than to the
parliamentary procedure that it follows. These bylaws define the
primary characteristics of the organization, prescribe how the
association functions, and include all rules that the association
considers important to the rights and responsibilities of the
membership. These rules cannot be changed without previous notice to
the membership and a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
Joe M. Pirtle PTA By-Laws
·
To promote the welfare of
children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship;
·
To raise the standards of
home life;
·
To secure adequate laws
for the care and protection of children and youth;
·
To bring into closer
relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate
intelligently in the education of children and youth;
·
To develop between
educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all
children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and
spiritual education.
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.
Click here for a printable Get an "A" Brochure
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.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL
PTA?
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.
WHAT IS THE TEXAS PTA?
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.
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