ELEVEN REASONS WHY YOU BELONG IN PTA

* PTA’s strength is its national membership. When PTA speaks on behalf of children and youth, we are heard from the principal’s office to the president’s office. Membership in PTA makes you part of over 100 years of service to children and schools.

* PTA bylaws and procedures ensure that each PTA – from the local unit to the National PTA – operates democratically and protects the rights of each member.

* The effectiveness of any organization is determined by the caliber of its leadership. PTA is often the training ground for a community’s leaders because we provide printed materials and workshops on programming, budgeting, leadership skills, and parliamentary tips.

* Ohio PTA leaders provide field service and counseling for problems which arise. As part of a state and national organization, local PTA units exchange ideas and gain new insights from others’ experience.

* Ohio PTA and National PTA, through government and foundation grants, develop needed research and programming in vital areas such as parenting, drug and alcohol abuse, critical television viewing skills, comprehensive health education and the arts.

* Ohio PTA distributes an Annual Resource Guide of valuable program suggestions, membership promotions and PTA information to each unit president. Each president also receives “Our Children” which includes “What’s Happening in Washington” from the National PTA and the Ohio PTA "The News”. These useful periodicals are available to all members at modest subscription rates.

* National PTA promotes PTA activities and membership through news releases, public service announcements on radio and television, and a public service advertising campaign in magazines.

* Ohio PTA provides blanket federal income tax exemption through the Internal Revenue Service for all PTA units and councils. Your local PTA unit is considered a 501C 3 because of its affiliation with the Ohio PTA.

* Annual district conferences, state and national conventions, and workshops permit all PTA members to make their voices heard in the shaping of PTA policies.

* Ohio PTA and National PTA speak out for children before the “Big Boards of Education” – the Ohio General Assembly and the United States Congress. Ohio PTA has no paid lobbyists and PTA volunteers monitor legislation, testify on bills, and keep PTA members informed on the latest educational legislative issues.

* PTA puts children first. PTA brings together parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, and interested citizens to work for all children.