PTA A PARENT GROUP UNLIKE ANY OTHER The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities PTA is: A powerful voice for all children. A relevant resource for families and communities. A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PTA ORGANIZATION Members become part of a powerful network of almost 5 million people who advocate on behalf of all children. Members benefit from a 115‐year‐old brand synonymous with service and advocacy for children. Members will receive invitations to the NJPTA convention, national convention, legislative days, summer leadership workshops, diversity events and county/regional trainings. NJPTA hosts an organizational meeting, assists in setting up bylaws, filing paperwork, and securing non‐profit status. NJPTA representatives will work with you to establish and manage your PTA. NJPTA resources will be provided to help you run an effective PTA. There is no fee for this service. WHAT CAN PTA DO FOR YOUR SCHOOL Increases parent involvement and volunteerism. Implements programs to enhance arts, education, promote healthy lifestyles. Helps qualify for grants and awards to support such programs. Communicates with families more effectively. Helps partner with other community organizations. Enhances fundraising efforts. PTA HAS OVER 100 YEARS OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT EXPERIENCE PTA is the forefront of boosting parent involvement everywhere. PTA connects school communities across the country. PTA fights for Federal funding. PTAs run units locally, to best serve their schools. THE IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVEMENT 5 GREAT REASONS TO BE PART OF PTA Be in the know – keeps you up-to-date with what’s happening in your school. Access great resources – information on important topics is available. Build relationships – helps you to connect with other families. Hone your skills – opportunities to use your talents. Speak up – suggest changes at your school and in your community. PARENT INVOLVEMENT WITHOUT THE LIABILITIES PTAS are nonprofits that must adhere to standards of affiliation and meet IRS requirements. PTA funds are independent of school funds. The PTA has control of these funds and not the Principal. PTA leaders receive training and tools on organizational management, family engagement, and community building to improve the school environment. WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF PTAS EARLY CHILDHOOD PTA (Preschool Groups) LOCAL PTA (Elementary, Middle School , High School) LOCAL PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) LOCAL SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) WHAT DOES NATIONAL PTA HAVE TO OFFER Advocacy - members can subscribe to PTA action alerts and can advocate by using national toolkits. Millions of dollars in grants to help build PTA capacity and skills. Invests more than $1.4 million— 41% of its budget—in recruiting, training and supporting our state and local leaders. Resources - 6 major programs, 5 award & grant programs, annual convention , a national legislative conference, our children magazine, website, 4 e-newsletters , membership marketing materials, elearning courses, idea‐sharing network, and live workshops. Cost savings from national retailers and other PTA partners. WHAT DOES IT COST TO BECOME A PTA THERE IS NO FEE TO FILE AS A NON-PROFIT SINCE LOCAL PTAS FALL UNDER NJPTA ONCE A GROUP DECIDES TO FORM A PTA, NJPTA - Works with you on establishing your bylaws. Hosts an organizational meeting. Assists in filling out the necessary paperwork for securing a non-profit status (EIN, 501c3). ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS? NJ Incorporation fee - $75 Charities Registration fee - $30 (for organizations raising less than $25) Insurance for your PTA – varies, depends on how many members you have. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A PTA? LETS VOTE! ELECT A STEERING COMMITTEE TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN TEMPORARY SECRETARY ELECT TEMPORARY COMMITTEES BYLAWS COMMITTEE – 3 PEOPLE NOMINATING COMMITTEE - 3 PEOPLE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE – 1 PERSON SEND A FLYER OR E-MAIL TO INFORM PARENTS THAT YOU ARE FORMING A PTA AND THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR OFFICERS. SET A DATE FOR THE NEXT MEETING – AT THAT MEETING, YOU WILL: ADOPT THE BYLAWS ELECT NEW OFFICERS COLLECT MEMBERSHIP DUES WHAT POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PTA YOUR PTA CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS OFFICERS POSITIONS PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER RECORDING SECRETARY CORRESPONDING SECRETARY COMMITTEE CHAIRS MEMBERSHIP BYLAWS NOMINATING FUNDRAISING PUBLICITY HOSPITALITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS ANY QUESTIONS??? CONTACT INFORMATION NEW JERSEY PTA OFFICE 609-587-0100 NJPTA WEBSITE WWW.NJPTA.ORG NATIONAL PTA WWW.PTA.ORG THANKS FOR LETTING NJPTA VISIT WITH YOU TONIGHT! HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME!