When speaking about the PTA to new audiences, one often has very little time to make the point heard. These talking points and facts will help demonstrate the strength of the PTA.

The more these messages are said, the more likely it is that they will be heard and repeated by those one is trying to influence.

• The PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer association working on children and youth issues. In California alone, we have approximately one million PTA members.
• The PTA represents every child in California schools. We work for every child, with one voice.
• The PTA is an nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and noncommercial organization that promotes the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship.
• The PTA encourages communication and cooperation between parent and school to ensure that children and youth receive the best possible physical, mental, social and spiritual education.
• The PTA develops educational programs for parents, teachers, students and the general public.
• The PTA fosters leadership skills in both adults and students. PTA volunteers are leaders and advocates in their schools and communities.

Making PTA Talking Points Personal

Whether talking to a reporter or a school board member, people are interested in having issues expressed in human terms. Personal stories are essential elements in producing compelling stories.

These talking points are only intended as guidelines for speaking on behalf of PTA. They can be compelling only when injected with personal stories. The talking points can be made personal by considering:

• How can my experience be part of these messages? How do these messages resonate with my experience as a teacher, a parent, a student, etc.?
• Why am I so committed to this work? How did I get involved? What needs to be improved at our school(s) or in our community? Can I share those stories?

Many of the materials in this Web site are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. The Acrobat reader is a free download from Adobe Software.