Benefits of PTA and Why Your School Should be a Part of It
PTA is the largest volunteer voice for child advocacy nationally and in the State of Utah.
It’s important to know that many of the decisions that impact children’s education are not made by educators at their schools. These decisions frequently come from district, state or federal officials.
When issues affecting children and schools are discussed, families with children need to join forces with teachers and school administrators to be heard, because there is a good chance that the people making the decisions (politicians, school board members, community leaders, etc.) do not live with children. PTA has the ability to use our collective voice to share real-life experiences about what it is like to raise a family today—or go to school—with the critical decision-makers who may not have that perspective. If they don’t live with or know about today’s challenges, how can they clearly see tomorrow’s solutions?
PTA gives parents a united and powerful voice, a seat at the decision-making table and the tools to influence change that will better the lives of all children. The ability to speak for every child with one voice is the Power of PTA.
A local PTA organization is a viable, involved association within every community that seeks to benefit the education, safety, and welfare of children and youth. Local businesses, organizations, school community, and community leaders work together with PTA to develop common bonds that further local values and goals that strengthen family, school, and community.
Why have a PTA?
- The number one reason? It's a Fact: Kids Do Better When Parents are Engaged in Their Learning.
- Get connected to what's happening in your school.
- Discover available resources.
- Join a network of parents and teachers to voice ideas, concerns, and experiences.
- Access to collaboration with administration and teachers.
- Ability to bring forward positive change to school environment.
- Opportunity to volunteer, gain knowledge, and communication skills learned to benefit your school community.
- PTSAs provide students with leadership, service, and advocacy opportunities
Utah PTA Provides:
- Leadership Convention
- Leadership training and support for Presidents, Treasurers and local leaders
- Handbooks for key leadership positions
- A website with training and community resources
- Training and assistance with IRS filings
- Maintenance of Charitable Solicitation Permit for locals, allowing them to fundraise and deposit fundraising money into their own checking account.
- Maintenance of sales tax refund for each unit.
- Maintenance and protection of non-profit status for locals
Utah PTA Advocates for Children:
- Through our Commissioners who specialize in these areas:
- Community Engagement, Family Life, Education, Health, Individual Development, Safety, and Student Leadership
- Many Specialists work alongside the commissioners, offering specialized training, support and programs.
- Arts Grants, Awards, Bylaws, Digital Citizenship, Diversity & Inclusivity, Family Engagement, Male Engagement, Military Families, Reflections, Resolutions, Special Needs, Technology and Trust Lands.
- At the state Capitol during the legislative session
- School Trust Lands coordination for beneficiaries
Utah PTA Programs:
- PTSA Battle of the Bands and Open Mic Competition
- PTA Day at the Capitol / Student Track
- Leadership Convention
- Advocacy Conference / Student Track
- Student Leadership Conference
National PTA Programs:
- Reflections
- School of Excellence
- PTA Take Your Family to School Week
- Teacher Appreciation
Utah PTA Awards - https://www.utahpta.org/awards-information
- LEAP (Leadership, Education and Partnership) Awards
- Gold Star Leadership Award Program
- Arts Education and Supplies Grants
- PTSA Student Scholarships
- Utah PTA Awards
- Utah PTA Advocacy Award
- Utah PTA Development Award
- Utah PTA Engagement Award
- Utah PTA Outstanding Elementary Educator Award
- Utah PTA Outstanding Secondary Educator Award
- Utah PTA Outstanding School Administrator Award
- Utah PTA Outstanding Support Staff Award
- Utah PTA Outstanding Volunteer Award
- Utah PTA Spirit of Inclusivity Award
- Utah PTA Spirit of PTA Award
National PTA Awards & Grants - https://www.pta.org/home/run-your-pta/Awards-Grants
- Center for Family Engagement’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant
- PTA Connected + TikTok Grant Sponsored by TikTok
- STEM + Families Math Night Grant Sponsored by Mathnasium
- Tobacco Prevention Campaign Grant Sponsored by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
- STEM + Families Science Festival Grant Sponsored by Bayer Fund
- PTA Life Achievement Award
Want more resources on why your school needs a PTA or why someone should join PTA?
https://www.pta.org/home/About-National-Parent-Teacher-Association/why-join-pta
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