Value of PTA Membership - Introduction
Value of PTA MembershipWith more than one million members, California State PTA is the largest volunteer organization in the state dedicated to improving the well being of all children and youth. 
Joining PTA supports local, state and national efforts to improve the education of children and the lives of families. Membership provides the opportunity for individuals to raise their voices with others throughout the state and nation to protect children’s rights. Membership ensures that PTA’s voice is heard on issues affecting young people as well as providing opportunities for parent education, communication and leadership development. Getting involved in PTA builds skills in leadership, communication and advocacy. Active members are a valuable community resource for starting and maintaining projects to benefit children.
PTA is a Membership AssociationAny individual who chooses to support PTA can become a member by paying dues to a PTA or PTSA. Membership at a unit includes membership in the council (if in council), the district level, California State PTA and National PTA. Membership is signified by an official membership card and expires on October 31 annually. Each PTA is a separate association giving services to a specific group of children, but is a part of the California State PTA and National PTA. Members having children in more than one school may wish to join multiple PTAs to support the youth at each child’s school. Membership DuesAnnual membership includes dues to the council (if in council), district, California State PTA and National PTA. The remaining portion stays in the unit. Dues may differ at each PTA and are listed in the local unit PTA’s bylaws. PTA dues support the work of the PTA at unit, council, district, state and national level. 
Student MembershipsStudent 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 in training youth to be effective advocates and community leaders. The California State PTA encourages and supports student participation in PTA leadership, events, and programs. A PTA does not need to change its name to “PTSA” to involve students. Students who have paid membership have all membership privileges and responsibilities.
Family MembershipsEach membership includes the payment of per capita dues and the privilege of one vote. California State PTA discourages group or family memberships because it can be unclear who qualifies as a voting member. PTAs with such memberships must spell out in their bylaws the number of members that constitute a group or family, forward that number of per capita dues and give each voter a membership card. Charter MembershipsCharter members are the original, founding members whose dues are submitted at the meeting to organize a new PTA. |
Introduction Guidelines
Membership Theme for 2008-2009:
Value of PTA MembershipA Million Voices for Children Membership Ideas Outreach Join PTA/Support PTA Student Involvement Founder's Circle Awards/Forms Publications Toolkit
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