How to Get Involved With the PTA
The National Parent Teacher Association Helps Students & Schools
You will not only help your child succeed and learn the importance of a quality education, but you will be impacting all of the students and families that you serve. It's never too late to start your involvement. Simply call your child's school, and they will be more than happy to put you in contact with the area president or other PTA member who can get you started. There's plenty more information below to help you learn and participate in the PTA.
History of the PTA
The first step to getting involved in your tween's chapter of the National PTA is to know a little bit about the history of the organization. It was founded in 1897 by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst in Washington, DC. The main goal of this original organization was to make life better for children across the U.S., and this is still the mission of the PTA today. While it has grown by leaps and bounds over the century, it thrives on the vision of the founders, and continues to be a successful and meaningful organization for children.
How to Join the PTA
Joining the PTA is easier than you might think. In fact, anyone who cares about the welfare of children and is concerned about educational issues affecting children can become a member of the PTA. It does not matter what grade your child is beginning because membership can start at any time. All you need to do is find your local PTA and contact the state PTA office to get more information. As mentioned above, you can also contact your child's school directly for information.
If you do not have a PTA in your area, you can join the National PTA directly, and make your votes and opinions count on a nationwide basis. Just fill out the online application to get your membership started right away. Alternatively, you may wish to start an organization in your community, which can include one school in particular or encompass several schools under one unit.
Benefits of Joining the PTA
Chances are you are already aware of some of the benefits of becoming a member of the PTA. Of course, the best benefit is that you get a chance to help your child directly with educational issues that affect her school. Here is a limited list of some reasons membership has its rewards that you might not have thought about.
- You will stay connected with your child's school and the administrative staff.
- You will have access to valuable resources for parents and students alike.
- You will share a common bond with parents who want to make a difference in education.
- You will be able to speak your mind and share suggestions that you have for a better school.
- You will be a good example for your child in making education an important part of life.
There are countless other benefits to becoming a PTA member. Since the organization has grown tremendously over the century, they are now partnering with businesses who offer various discounts, fundraising opportunities, and the chance to let the PTA receive a percentage royalties from purchases that you make through participating companies.
Being Involved in Your Child's School
Many parents/guardians join the PTA to be directly involved in their child's school. Getting involved on a community-based level is important because a local PTA has the power to implement programs and activities based on the school's needs, and is not mandated by the National Unit. The National Unit is available as a resource to local chapters, but final decisions are left to the local PTA and school staff.
A better educational experience for children is the goal of the National PTA and its local chapters. Knowing that you can help with this initiative is a satisfying feeling. Joining the PTA is easy and rewarding. Discover all of the incredible benefits by visiting the official National PTA website today.
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