Building Bridges With

National PTA

Sherri Wilson, Senior Manager Family & Community Engagement

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

National Head Start Association Family Engagement Conference

You’d Be Surprised to Know..

In my “spare time” I’m an amateur travel blogger!

Who are you?Stand up if you have ever held a leadership

position in a PTA

Sit down if you think this outfit is adorable

Stand up if you know anyone who has ever held a

leadership position in a PTA

Stand up if you have ever heard of PTA

PTA Mission

The overall purpose of PTA is to make

every child’s potential a reality by engaging

and empowering families and communities

to advocate for all children.

A Common Purpose

National PTA

• Making every child’s potential a reality.

• A powerful voice for all children

• A relevant resource for families and communities

• A strong advocate for education and well being of every child

Reference: National PTA Website

National Head Start Association

• All children should reach their full potential

• Every child can succeed

• We can impact the success of

“at-risk” children

• Quality early education fundamentally transforms children and families

Reference: National Head Start Association Website

5

What We DoPTA successfully advocated for: Child labor laws School lunches in schools Public school transportation Safety belt laws Internet safety for children The right to an education for children of undocumented

immigrants Laws to keep tobacco and alcohol companies from

marketing to youth and children.

PTA Structure

Local Units

State Units

National Unit

Local UnitsLocal Unit – There are 24,000 local units worldwide. Members work

together to address local school issues. Through its own plans, programs and activities, the local PTA strives to meet the needs of children and youth in its own community!

Membership – annual dues can be as little as $5

Bylaws – PTAs are governed by bylaws which are voted on by its members. The bylaws must not conflict with State or National

bylaws

Types of Local PTAs

SchoolBased

Community

SEPTA Issue Focused

Gender focused

Language Focused

PTSA

State PTAThere are 54 PTA Congresses.

Liaison between Local and National PTA

Separate and independent entities but subject to National PTA bylaws & policies

Provide support, advice and field service for local units through the State Board

Network with similar state level child advocacy groups

Promote PTA programs

Conduct state level conferences

Non-profit status

Nationwide Network

National PTAA powerful voice for all children

The National PTA headquarters are in Alexandria, VA and staff provides leadership, programs, support and resources for over 4 million members.

Works with many national educational, health, safety and child advocacy groups, external partners, and federal agencies.

Member Benefits – Discounts from PTA Sponsors

National Programs

• Family & Community Engagement

• Urban Family Engagement Network

• Healthy Lifestyles

• Reflections – Arts in Education

• School Relations and Diversity

Q&A?

Sherri WilsonSenior Manager Family and Community Engagement

National PTA 703-518-1244

swilson@pta.orgwww.PTA.org@PTAswilson