Student involvement is the commitment by a PTA to actively involve students in the work of the organization. Parents, teachers, and students are dedicated to work as a team to train youth to be future advocates, community leaders, and parents. The California State PTA encourages and supports student participation in PTA leadership, events, and programs.

WHAT TO DO

Form a student involvement committee whose membership includes students and adults.

Survey the school community to find out what type of activities would encourage student involvement.

Develop a plan for student involvement based on survey results.

Set reasonable goals based on what the unit needs to accomplish:

• Develop activities that include and would be of interest to students and adults.
• Seek input from all students-- not just those who traditionally are seen as "leaders."

Upon payment of dues, students are considered full members with the same privileges, responsibilities, and credibility:

• Students who are willing and have the time may serve as officers in the PTA.
• Keep open lines of communication.
• Respect all opinions.
• Consider student opinions seriously.
• Practice effective communication and listening skills.
• Be prepared for students to have an active voice in the PTA.

Reach out to other groups to co-sponsor events or activities of interest to students:

• Student leadership and school organizations/clubs.
• Other student-focused groups in the community.
• Parent advisory committees.
• Other unit, council or district PTAs.

Publicize activities through the PTA newsletter, school or PTA Web site, flyers, e-mail, marquees, local newspapers, personal telephone calls, media, and other newsletters. Promote positive student involvement through publicity (e.g., posters, radio announcements).

Evaluate activities and accomplishments at least once a year. This will show how students were actively involved, and how students can continue to be involved in PTA activities.

Create a Student Recognition Program

Students Deserve To Be Recognized

Students deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their contributions to PTA. A system of recognition and awards creates a climate of respect and value for PTA involvement and motivates students to continue their hard work and dedication to PTA. For this to be effective, fair criteria must be developed. For example, students should be rewarded for leadership, vision, and dedication using the same criteria for all volunteers.

Students Can Be Recognized and Rewarded in Many Ways

• Select student members of the week, month, or year and promote their accomplishments.
• Develop incentives, such as student buttons, special jackets or T-shirts.
• Invite active student members to speak to students in other schools such as feeder school students and to community groups about their experiences.
• Hold an annual ceremony or dinner to recognize PTA and its student members.
• Write letters of recommendation to college admissions offices or prospective employers based on a student’s PTA involvement.
• Use communications — school bulletin boards, school yearbook photos, radio, TV, websites, newspapers and magazines — to feature stories on student successes in helping solve school and community problems
• Give outstanding student members special school awards such as the Honorary Service Award.
• Use outstanding student members as expert advisors for new PTA projects.
• Implement a “student support system” to allow veteran student and adult members to provide new recruits with:
• Motivation and encouragement to overcome challenges and obstacles encountered in PTA activities;
• Direction and foundation for student growth and development; and
• Techniques for handling the stress, emotion and frustration that can accompany working with community organizations, school boards, etc.
• Share innovative strategies for student involvement by applying for the “MY PTA/PTSA” Award (California’s “MY PTA/PTSA” Awards).

Sample Letter to Students

My PTA/PTSA Award Application Form [pdf]

Graduating High School Senior Scholarship

Student Guide: PTA Goes to Work

College Navigator

Young Workers

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