FAQ's
Here are answers to some of the top questions surrounding PTA membership:
Why should I join PTA?
PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. Being a member of PTA means that you are part of a powerful association and action plan that is focused on programs and initiatives that strengthen your child’s education.
PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels; and building an inclusive school community for all families. Join PTA for your child because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community.
Where does my money go when I pay membership dues?
PTA dues directly support your child. PTA dues help fund essential school resources and curriculum needs, including field trips, teacher and staff appreciation, family literacy nights, family fun nights, spirit nights, book blitz, Scholastic book fair, military appreciation, red ribbon week, and so much more! PTA dues support advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education. PTA dues support our work to strengthen connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families, and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.
Does PTA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?
The only thing required of you to be a member of PTA is to pay the annual membership dues. Beyond that, however you choose to PTA is up to you. PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. From volunteering at school events to participating in local, state and national advocacy efforts to holding PTA leadership roles – the level of involvement is up to you. There is no wrong way to PTA!
How much time do I have to commit to being a member of PTA?
Membership in PTA can involve as much or as little time as you have to offer. There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it’s time or money, will support your child’s potential.
Isn’t PTA a social club for stay-at-home moms?
First and foremost, PTA is for every family who has a child at the school. PTA is for moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, teachers and the broader community!
While some of the work done by PTA may appear purely social – including family events like family fun nights, spirit nights, and monthly meetings that are organized to strengthen the school community – much of PTA’s work focuses on funding essential school resources and curriculum needs, as well as advocating at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education.
How does PTA ensure it represents every child and family at the school?
We encourage every family in the school to become a PTA member to support the success of their child. We want a diverse membership base that reflects all of the families and needs of students at the school. PTA strengthens connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.
How does PTA impact my child?
Our PTA provides the funds needed for all field trips, hosts the Scholastic book fair, runs Book Blitz Jr., and so much more!
PTA provides schools access to experts, resources, trainings and dozens of nationally recognized educational enrichment programs that impact a child’s education such as the Family Reading Experience, in partnership with the Reading is Fundamental.
PTA funds the nation's largest and longest running student arts program, Reflections®, which provides students access to arts, music, literature, dance, drama and visual arts.
PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system and anti-child labor laws.
How do you advocate at the national, state and local levels and why is it important to my child?
PTA is active at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education. During the past 120 years, PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system, and anti-child labor laws.