What is the difference between a PTA and other parent organizations?
All parent groups have a local component - a way for passionate, dedicated parents to get involved in P-12 schools. PTA, formed in 1897, is the nation's original parent group in schools. PTA has influenced millions of parents, past and present, to get involved in their children's education. PTA is a national, non-profit association; neither the association nor its volunteer leaders make any profit or receive any financial benefit from PTA activities. PTA works for all children. Our efforts in education and health and welfare areas impact children and youth across the nation. There are PTAs in all fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and in the Department of Defense schools in Europe and the Pacific.
What are the advantages of being a PTA?
As a PTA or PTSA you are part of the largest volunteer organization dedicated to service for children.
One advantage of PTA over independent groups is PTA's potential for unified action-a unified effort to address major problems, a unified push for improved legislation. Not all problems can be solved in the local community, and as part of the state and National PTA, the local PTA extends its influence beyond its neighborhood and helps to secure state and national action for children's benefit. Members are kept current on pending legislation at both the state and national levels. America's population is a mobile one with families moving from one community to another, from state to state. Through PTA we help assure quality schools and opportunities for all children across the nation.
PTAs have a chance to meet with others and discuss mutual concerns and share ideas at district, state, and national level conferences and workshops. Training for local leaders is available from all levels.
Without leaving home information is readily available by phone, email or website from the State or National PTA. Someone is there to answer questions, provide information or to help with problem solving. State board trainers are available to come to your school site to provide training for your PTA/PTSA board of directors. Publications are available as valuable resources.
PTAs in Kentucky are registered with the IRS as 501 ( c ) 3 educational organizations under the Kentucky PTA umbrella. They are also exempt from Kentucky state sales tax.
Member units of the Kentucky PTA may participate in the insurance program for liability and bonding.
PTA policies are adopted only after much study and discussion thus providing safeguards for units in their policy and decision making.
Where Does The Money Go?
PTA members often wonder how membership dues are used. Here are some of the services funded by membership dues at different levels of PTA.
- Local PTA and PTSA Dues: programs and projects for students and parents; training for volunteers; newsletters.
- District PTA Dues: leadership training; workshops and conferences; outreach services; newsletters; community projects benefiting children and youth.
- State PTA Dues: materials, resources, and publications; conferences and conventions; outreach services and child advocacy.
- National PTA Dues: all of the above, on the national level.
